The Kennewick City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 7 to adopt a resolution updating ground ambulance transport and mileage rates, replacing a single flat rate that had been in place since 2012 with a tiered structure based on level of service.

City fire department staff told the council the city’s flat rate—$660 for residents and $990 for nonresidents—had not been changed since 2012 and that Kennewick’s current charges remained among the lowest in the Tri‑Cities area. Chief Heffner presented two options; staff recommended a tiered structure so patients are billed according to Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support 1 (ALS1) or Advanced Life Support 2 (ALS2) services. The resolution that passed (Option B) phases in rate changes and thereafter ties increases to the consumer price index.

Why it matters: Staff and the city’s contracted ambulance billing partner said the tiered structure better reflects levels of care and would enable the city to recover the maximum amounts allowed by Medicare and Medicaid for covered patients. The staff report noted more than 60% of transported patients are insured by Medicare, and staff estimated the change would reduce general fund subsidy pressures.

Council action and vote: “I move to adopt the resolution presented under option B,” said Mayor Bertem Tirelli; council member Anderson seconded. The clerk recorded the vote as unanimous, 7‑0, and staff confirmed the new rates would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Details and fiscal impact: City staff described Option B as forecast to increase ambulance transport revenue by about $147,952 in 2026 and indicated the general fund currently subsidizes ambulance operations. During discussion, staff reiterated the city had not adjusted the transport/mileage rates since 2012. Council members asked about the general‑fund subsidy and comparative regional rates; staff said Kennewick’s rates would remain among the lower charges in the region even after the increases.

Next steps: The resolution will be filed with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, and staff will implement the tiered billing process with the city’s billing partner.