Paramedic Fee System in Anaheim

Fire and emergency medical services (EMS) to a community are not normally perceived as revenue-producing. Traditionally, they are funded from property taxes. However, because of expected financial shortages brought about principally by tax-limiting measures, alternatives to traditional funding must be examined.

In exploring our own situation, the Anaheim Fire Department has developed what we believe to be an effective process to relieve demand on city funds and maintain adequate levels of service: a very reasonable, equitable and justifiable fee for paramedic services.

There are currently six paramedic units. They are needed to serve the 234,700 residents and nearly 30 million people who visit our city annually.

It is significant to note that the paramedic program has been upgraded and maintained without an increase in manpower. If fact, there are 12 fewer people in the fire protection system than there were when paramedic service began in 1981.

There can be no question that the increasing critical demand for EMS has had an impact on the overall fire protection system. Property tax dollars that would normally have gone to expand the fire protection system have been used to support and enhance the EMS system, which costs $2.7 million annually.

If we are to continue to provide acceptable levels of fire protection, additional engine companies will be needed shortly in Anaheim Hills, the Disneyland area and, in as little as five years, in the area near Anaheim Stadium. The operating cost for each engine company is $750,000 per year.

To lessen the impact, we are proposing a $24-per-year fee for each residence, business and industry in our city. These fees will help make the paramedic system self-supporting, allow further enhancements and release funds for needed increases in the over-all fire protection system.

We recognize that there are those who will be exempt from any fee because of inability to pay. The criterion is and will remain that no one will be denied service for any reason.

BOB SIMPSON

Fire Chief,

City of Anaheim