SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve Pinellas County EMS ALS First Responder Agreement Amendment No. 2 between Pinellas County and City of Clearwater, which will include a budget increase of 19.9% if Florida Constitutional Amendment 3 is ratified, or a 25.4% budget increase if Amendment 3 is not ratified, stipulates the reimbursement caps for vehicles and hourly reimbursement caps, Pinellas County will provide the Learning Management System, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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SUMMARY:
The Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMS Authority) is a special district created for the purpose of providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout Pinellas County, pursuant to Chapter 80-585, Laws of Florida, and Chapter 54, Article III, Pinellas County Code, as amended.
City Council approved renewal of the Emergency Medical Services ALS First Responder Agreement for five years, commencing October 1, 2024, and ending at midnight September 30, 2029. Through this agreement, Clearwater Fire & Rescue will provide advanced life support services to the residents of the City of Clearwater and to individuals within the unincorporated area of Pinellas County that is located within the Clearwater Fire Control District. This contract provides for reimbursement of engine and rescue units, EMS Coordination positions, and projected capital.
A budget request of $9,369,655 for FY25-26 was submitted and approved by the EMS Authority, resulting in an increase of 2% or $186,223, in Amendment No.1.
Pinellas County EMS ALS First Responder Agreement Amendment No. 2 approves the FY26-27 budget of $11,231,312 (19.9% increase) if the 2026 Florida Constitutional Amendment 3 is ratified as identified in Appendix A Version 1 “Program Enhancement Withheld”. If 2026 Florida Constitutional Amendment 3 is not ratified, Pinellas County EMS ALS First Responder Agreement Amendment No. 2 approves the FY26-27 budget of $11,751,442 (25.4% increase and includes funding for Engine 48) as identified in Appendix A Version 2 “Program Enhancement Implemented”.
Amendment No. 2 also includes language to allow Pinellas County to provide FY26-27 reimbursement caps for vehicles, increase each of the hourly reimbursement caps by $5.00, and Pinellas County will provide the Learning Management System thereby no longer reimbursing the City effective FY26-27.
Upon approval of this amendment, all terms of the initial agreement will remain in full force, and the effective date of this amendment will be October 1, 2026.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Foster safe and healthy communities through first-class public safety and emergency response services.
