No thanks, says City of Lethbridge to EHS directive on funding

Reassuring residents that it’s not walking away from the current integrated fire and EMS model, the City of Lethbridge has said ‘no’ to an Emergency Health Services directive that would see the City cover any additional costs a new contract with paramedics might bring.

In the words of Mayor Blaine Hyggen, it’s unachievable contract condition, one the City has said could cost an additional $3.7 million to the budget next year, if an agreement were reached, and even more in the following years of a contract.

At a meeting held Tuesday, City Council voted 7-2 in favour of overturning a decision made back in March, replacing it with new wording indicating the significant financial impact the community would face, while still preserving its right to participate in further negotiations.

Recently, EHS told Lethbridge that if it didn’t take on the additional costs, it would move to an open contract or direct delivery template.