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, a motion to rescind Council’s previous March 24 decision was defeated in a 7-2 vote. Council’s original decision, unanimously supported, remained in place and upheld.

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.