To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Public Health
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Request to Increase Ambulance Fee for Service Areas 3 (Eureka) and 4 (Fortuna/ Garberville)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve and authorize an increase in billing rates for ambulance services provided in Service Areas 3 (Eureka) and 4 (Fortuna/Garberville).
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board's Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Workforce & Operational Excellence
Strategic Plan Category: 3002 - Invest in county facilities
DISCUSSION:
City Ambulance of Eureka, Inc is seeking to raise rates for ambulance services in Humboldt County in three increments. The first would be effective immediately upon approval and the second and third increases effective January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026 respectively. The increase will be used to support substantial wage increases that started in 2023 and will continue through January 1, 2026 to bring City Ambulance clinical staff up to a competitive wage. Changes are both to the base rates and mileage with some additions to the itemized charges. These proposed rate changes are being brought to the Board of Supervisors for review and approval pursuant to Humboldt County Code section 551-6.
The wage increase for Dispatchers is an average of 31% over the wage increase period. Some Dispatchers may be slightly more or slightly less depending on the length of service.
The wage increase for EMTs is 16% over the wage increase period.
The wage increase for Paramedics is an average 27% over the wage increase period. Some paramedics may be slightly more or slightly less depending on the length of service.
The rate increase will also cover an increase of 15% in Paramedic Retention Bonuses and the salary of a full-time Clinical Supervisor.
City Ambulance is not requesting an increase for CPI increases or to offset inc...
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