City Of Pflugerville: Pflugerville City Council Discusses EMS Valuation Study, Passes Franchise Ordinance And Authorizes Negotiation Of ...

Press release from the City of Pflugerville:

10/13/2021 12:32 PM

At their October 12 meeting, Pflugerville City Council considered three items related to the provision of emergency medical services in Pflugerville. They discussed the EMS System Valuation Study, approved the EMS franchise ordinance on second reading and authorized contract negotiations with Acadian Ambulance Services. These discussions follow almost a year of conversation, research and evaluation of emergency medical services as a result of Travis County ESD No. 2 notifying the city of a financial shortfall, and later announcing the termination of ambulance service without additional funding. 

EMS System Valuation Study

AP Triton presented their EMS System Valuation Study, which was requested by City Council on July 13 as the next step in assessing EMS options in the Pflugerville. It concludes that the City of Pflugerville could implement ambulance transportation and an improved medical billing structure while meeting current performance standards without additional taxation. The study also offers recommendations for deployment and operation of ambulances, response times and communications and dispatch that have aided the City of Pflugerville in initial discussions with private ambulance providers.

EMS Franchise Ordinance

On second and final reading, City Council approved an ordinance requiring a franchise agreement for emergency services in the City of Pflugerville. This ordinance establishes a process for the City to authorize EMS providers, and is similar to existing franchise ordinances for electricity, solid waste and gas. It is not intended to be exclusive for all emergency medical services, and specific providers may be franchised for the provision of services including basic life support, advanced life support, non-emergency transport and first responder services. This ordinance will take effect on January 1, 2022, in line with Travis County ESD No. 2’s termination of ambulance services in the City of Pflugerville. 

Authorization of contract negotiations with Acadian Ambulance Services

City Council also authorized city staff to enter in negotiations with Acadian Ambulance Services to provide ambulance services in the City of Pflugerville and its ETJ starting January 1, 2022. When AP Triton conducted its Fire and EMS Assessment earlier this year, a Request for Information was issued to five providers, three private and two public, including Acadian. This process was to help understand the landscape of providers and assist in developing service options. As the City moved forward in planning for the provision of emergency medical services following the withdrawal of Travis County ESD No. 2, a Request for Proposal process was initiated and issued to the same providers. Three private providers and one public provider responded and were interviewed, with Acadian emerging as the best option for Pflugerville. Acadian stated in their proposal that they can meet the requested eight minute response time, do not require a subsidy and will provide four dedicated ambulance units to Pflugerville. The next step will be for city staff to enter into negotiations and present a final contract to City Council for consideration. 

For more information, including FAQs and AP Triton’s original Fire and EMS Assessment, visit pflugervilletx.gov/ems.

This press release was produced by the City of Pflugerville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.