Title
Discuss and consider action regarding the implementation of Fire & EMS Assessment / Service Options for the City report prepared by AP Triton.
Summary
This agenda item will provide an update on the delivery of the Valuation Study, and request direction regarding the procurement of emergency management services. A Request for Information (RFI) process was conducted earlier this year and received responses from three private providers as well as Austin-Travis County EMS and Travis County ESD No. 2. Staff recommends furthering this process with these responders using a request for qualifications process over the next month or so, but direction is needed for the applicable service area.
Additional background:
Early in 2016, Travis County Emergency Services District 2 (TCESD2) determined that the existing emergency medical and ambulance transport service was not adequate for the citizens of the Emergency Services District and the City of Pflugerville.
Supported with an additional 0.5% sales tax for the provision of emergency medical services (EMS), TCESD2 began providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) treatment and transport utilizing certified Paramedics. Over the next four years, the additional tax revenue was determined by TCESD2 to be insufficient to maintain fiscal sustainability. In 2020, TCESD2 predicted a $2.7 million annual deficit and the community petitioned for the creation of another emergency services district (ESD). If approved, the new ESD would authorize up to a 10 cent/$100 tax overlay to continue providing EMS and ambulance transport. At that time, the City of Pflugerville chose not to participate in the election process that would result in the formation of a new ESD. The Pflugerville City Council felt that additional analysis was needed and appropriate. As a result, a third-party consulting firm was sought to evaluate and identify potential solutions for a more financially sustainable EMS delivery system.
On December 18, 2020, the City of Pflugerville issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) with the intent of retaining a consultant to conduct a “Fire and EMS Assessment and Services Options” study of Travis County ESD 2. The City subsequently awarded a contract to AP Triton, LLC in February 2021.
The primary intent of the study was to conduct an objective assessment of the existing fire protection and EMS provided by Travis County ESD 2. In accordance with the City’s RFP, the primary elements of this study included:
• Assessment of current fire protection and EMS, constraints, and cost-effectiveness.
• Identification of services and service-provider options within the City and the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
• Develop a cost/benefit analysis.
• Provide recommendations that would benefit the City of Pflugerville and its residents.
• Implement strategies with legal and financial considerations and prepare a multi-year plan for implementation.
Prior City Council Action
The City Council received the report on June 21, 2021 in a worksession.
The City Council considered the item on June 22, 2021 and directed the City Manager to send a letter to TCESD2 requesting that EMS services be continued through September 30, 2022.
At the July 13, 2021 regular meeting, the Council postponed the item until their next regular meeting on July 27, 2021.
At the July 27, 2021 regular meeting, the Council postponed the item.
At the August 10, 2021 regular meeting, no action was taken.
Deadline for City Council Action
Timely direction is requested in order to proceed with appropriate option(s).
Supporting documents attached:
The report is posted online at www.pflugervilletx.gov/ems.
Recommended Action
Discuss and take action as appropriate.