'Upheaval' Affects Elmhurst Ambulance Pact: Official

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst aldermen on Monday approved a five-year contract with its longtime paramedic firm, Superior Ambulance.

Under its terms, the Elmhurst-based company is to get $2.2 million in the year starting Sept. 1, a 31 percent increase from its current contract, according to a city memo.

Most of that money is set to come from users, but the city may pay up to $388,000.

"While the services remain unchanged, the environment has changed significantly," Alderwoman Marti Deuter said. "Since we last considered a new contract, two areas of upheaval are staffing and (insurance) reimbursement rates."

Paramedic wages have risen dramatically in recent years.

The city's contract with Superior is based on the decision to increase the firm's starting paramedic wage to $24 an hour, from $21 currently. In 2020, the wage was $13. Over the last two years, the wage will have increased by more than 80 percent.

Another major change is that either side can open up the agreement for negotiations if major changes happen with staffing or reimbursement rates.

That means Elmhurst could see still higher rates with Superior.

Superior provides ambulance services to towns throughout the Midwest. It is one of Elmhurst's top employers.

The city did not go out to bid for the ambulance contract.

Alderman Bob Dunn said officials aimed for a rate schedule that was "breakeven for the city."

He said the city looked at paramedic wages in other suburbs. Those with lower wages are due to renegotiate their contracts soon, he said.

Mayor Scott Levin said the contract was good for Elmhurst.

"We're dealing with some very unusual market conditions," he said. "We have come up with the best solution we can to keep our services at the level they are."

The City Council unanimously approved the new contract, which takes effect Sept. 1.

It was the first council meeting in nearly six months in which all 14 aldermen attended.