To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Public Health
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Arcata-Mad River Ambulance - Service Area/Zone I Ground Ambulance Permit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Humboldt County Health Officer to renew ambulance operating permit for Arcata-Mad River Ambulance for Service Area I (Northwest - Arcata/McKinleyville) for FY 2025-26; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to Provide the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)- Public Health with one fully executed certified copy of the Board order related to this item.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
Ambulance services in Humboldt County are regulated under Division 5 - Emergency Medical Services System of Title V - Health and Safety of the Humboldt County Code. Humboldt County Code Section 551-3 Ambulance Service Permit mandates ambulance companies must hold a current valid permit for operation of an ambulance service. The County of Humboldt issues five permits annually to provide ground ambulance services in four service areas. Service Area/Zone IV is shared by City Ambulance of Eureka covering Fortuna and Garberville Sub-Zones while Southern Trinity Area Rescue covers Southern Trinity/Eastern Humboldt in the Highway 36 corridor.
Humboldt County Code Sections 551-4, 551-5, and 551-7 allow renewal of existing permits by the Board of Supervisors if it is found that all provisions of the sections have been met. The Humboldt County Health Officer has reviewed the renewal application and required documentation provided by Arcata-Mad River Ambulance for Service Area/Zone I, and has determined that they meet those provisions, which include approved rates for services, required insurance coverage, vehicle inspection reports and payment of fees.
Accordingly, the Humboldt County Health Officer requests that your Board authorize the issuance of the operating permit for the provision of ground services throughout Humboldt County for FY 2025-26.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Public Health Funds (1175-400001, 206120)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1175-400001) |
FY25-26 |
FY26-27 Projected* |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$319 |
$319 |
$319 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$319 |
$319 |
$319 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (1175-400001) |
FY25-26 |
FY26-27 Projected* |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
Fees/Other |
$319 |
$319 |
$319 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$319 |
$319 |
$319 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The current fee for an ambulance permit is $319 annually, as set forth in the approved fee schedule. This fee is reviewed and changed, if necessary, annually through the Humboldt County fee process. Fees for ambulance permits are deposited into fund Department of Health and Human Services- Public Health budget unit 1175-400001 Vital Statistics. The estimated revenue from ambulance permits was included in the FY 2025-26 adopted county budget.
STAFFING IMPACT:
The recommended actions will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to authorize the Humboldt County Health Officer to renew ambulance operating permit for Arcata-Mad River Ambulance for Service Area I (Northwest - Arcata/McKinleyville) for FY 2025-26. However, this alternative is not recommended since it will not allow for the provision of needed ambulance services in certain portions of Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Application - Arcata-Mad River Ambulance
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 10/8/2024
File No.: 24-1414