TO: Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Fire |
Adrian Shepard, Fire Chief |
425-556-2200 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Fire |
Jim Whitney |
Deputy Fire Chief |
|
Fire |
Amy Moorhead |
Medical Services Administrator |
TITLE:
title
Approval of the King County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Basic Life Support Services and Mobile Integrated Health Services Contract (PHSKC Agreement #14807 EMS) for the 2026-2031 King County EMS Levy
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The Fire Department is seeking approval of the King County EMS Contract for Basic Life Support Services (BLS) and Mobile Integrated Health Services (MIH) for the January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2031 King County EMS Levy period and to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☒ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
o Redmond's Fire Department Strategic Plan for 2022-2027
o Redmond Fire Department’s Community Risk Assessment & Standards of Cover for 2022-2027
• Required:
RCW 84.52.069
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
On May 20, 2025, City Council approved resolution No. 1603: Placement of a Countywide Ballot Measure Before Voters in 2025 for a Funding Levy to Support Medic One/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the Period from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2031. The levy was then approved by voters in November 2025 to set a countywide rate of 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for the 2026-2031 period. The City Council previously approved a resolution supporting the 2020-2025 King County Medic One/Emergency Medical Services levy on June 4, 2019. The levy was later approved by voters in the November 2019 election at a rate of 26.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.
OUTCOMES:
The contract for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2031 will provide stable and predictable revenue to the City of Redmond, consistent with the King County EMS Levy financial policy and the voter-approved November 2025 levy. This funding supports the full cost of basic life support (BLS) services and is critical to maintaining the City’s overall fiscal stability.
King County manages training, education, and quality assurance to ensure consistent standards across jurisdictions, supporting high-quality patient care and regional interoperability.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
A rate of 25-cents per $1,000 of assessed value for 2026-2031.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
277
Budget Priority:
Safe & Resilient
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
N/A
Budget/Funding Constraints:
n/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
6/2/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
The current EMS levy expired at the end of 2025. In order to receive funding starting in 2026, the contract must be executed by the City.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
Limited or discontinued funding for several essential services that the City of Redmond provides to its community and the broader region.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: King County Contract for Basic Life Support Services 2026-2031 (PHSKC Agreement #14807 EMS)