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<br /> <br /> effective May 2025, and Hays County Emergency Service District 9 preparing <br /> to launch standalone services in April 2026. He explained that these transitions <br /> have fundamentally reshaped the local EMS environment while rapid <br /> population growth has increased service demands within the city. <br /> <br /> Robert Finn, Vice President of Matrix Consulting Group and project manager <br /> for the study, presented the findings. He outlined three delivery models <br /> that were evaluated: continuation of the regional EMS model, <br /> integration of EMS services into the fire department, and establishment of a <br /> standalone city operating EMS department. <br /> Mr. Finn presented data on current system performance, noting that medical <br /> calls comprise about 81% of EMS activity. He discussed response time metrics, <br /> staffing levels, and projected costs for each model. The study showed that San <br /> Marcos Hays County EMS would cost approximately $9.46 million, fire-based <br /> EMS would cost $9.86 million, and city-based EMS would cost $9.2 million. <br /> Mr. Finn explained that patient revenues could offset approximately $2 million <br /> of these costs. <br /> Mr. Finn recommended the city-based EMS model as the optimal choice, citing <br /> benefits such as direct oversight, dedicated leadership, financial transparency, <br /> and cost controls. He presented an implementation timeline of approximately <br /> 21 months and an organizational structure for the proposed city EMS <br /> department. <br /> Council members asked numerous questions about the transition process. <br /> <br /> Concerns were raised about workforce continuity and employee protection. <br /> Council Member Gonzalez expressed concern that EMS employees would lose <br /> union protections by becoming city employees without the same civil service <br /> protections afforded to police and fire. Council Member Rodriguez asked <br /> about billing processes and patient care outcomes. Council Member Paselk <br /> emphasized the importance of treating current EMS employees fairly during <br /> any transition. <br /> <br /> Fire Chief Les Stephens provided additional context, noting that when he was <br /> hired in 2009, San Marcos Hays County EMS was in a very different place <br /> financially and operationally. Chief Stephens explained that the fire <br /> department has 106 operational staff certified at least to the EMT level, with 58 <br /> certified as paramedics. He clarified that firefighters would continue to provide <br /> first responder services regardless of which EMS model was selected. <br /> After extensive discussion, the Council provided direction to staff to move <br /> forward with planning for a city-based EMS service, with the understanding <br /> that staff would return with more information on employee protections, hiring <br /> processes for current San Marcos Hays County EMS employees, and quality of <br /> care metrics. <br /> Page 1 <br />City of San Marcos <br /> <br />