Title
Resolution to Approve Fiscal Year 2026 Fee Adjustments for the Ann Arbor Fire Department
Memorandum
This resolution seeks to amend basic life support ambulance transport fees and lift assist rates for fiscal year 2026 that were previously adopted via R-24-076 on March 4, 2024. After evaluating all costs associated with ambulance transports, it is recommended that the ambulance transport fee be increased from $470.00 to $621.76. This fee includes the cost of two firefighters responding, as well as EMS officer time, transport allowances per union contract, billing, and equipment costs. Approval of this recommended cost increase would place the City within the regional average for transport.
An evaluation of the lift assist fee was also conducted, and it is recommended that this fee be reduced from $225.00 to $219.18. This fee includes the cost of two firefighters and one lieutenant responding to a request for a lift assist.
It is also recommended that the Fire Department implement a mileage fee for ambulance transports. It is recommended that this fee be set at $7.95 per mile to recover the cost of operating the ambulance itself. The average distance for transports is one mile.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The impact of the fee changes for the ambulance transport, the lift assist fee, and the addition of the mileage rate are neutral to the City as the fee recovers only the costs for these services.
Staff
Prepared by: Kim Buselmeier, Financial Manager
Reviewed By: Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief
Michelle Landis, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, City Council adopted fees related to ambulance transports and lift assists in March 2024;
Whereas, It is recommended that basic life support ambulance transport fees be increased to recover all costs associated with ambulance transports;
Whereas, It is recommended that an ambulance milage fee be adopted to recover the cost of operating the ambulance; and
Whereas, It is recommended that lift assist fees be reduced to align with actual costs;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopts the fee for basic life support ambulance transport by the Fire Department at $621.76 per transport;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopts the fee for lift assists by the Fire Department at $219.18.
RESOLVED, That City Council adopt the ambulance mileage rate of $7.95 per mile for ambulance transports by the Fire Department;
RESOLVED, That all fees herein are effective July 1, 2025; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator or their designee be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution.