An ordinance was adopted by the Pella City Council at their most recent meeting to formally create a city-operated ambulance service ahead of the anticipated transition of Pella Community Ambulance from a non-profit organization to a government-run entity.

Assistant City Administrator Corey Goodenow says several years of increased calls and lower reimbursement rates have created financial strain on the local emergency medical services group, and in order to ensure strong service remains in place for area residents, the Pella City Council and city staff have been working to transition Pella Community Ambulance into a city department.

The ordinance adopted this week creates a structure in City Code to provide emergency medical services to residents. An extensive presentation was also given to the Pella City Council during Policy and Planning this week about how the transition of employees and assets could be handled, and also included details about service territory, out-of-town calls, proposed rates, financial impact to the city, and potential funding opportunities to support the transition and long-term operation of Pella Community Ambulance as a city department. Find the full presentation here.
During the fiscal year 2023 budget workshops this past winter, a $300,000 subsidy was set aside to make the transition happen this year. Services beyond Pella will continue as currently provided through December of this year, according to the ordinance, before new agreements would need to be drafted with those outside of the city limits.

The Pella City Council will have several resolutions to consider to formalize the transition at the June 21st regular meeting.