Walla Walla to increase monthly ambulance utility fee

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council has adopted an ordinance to raise ambulance utility fee. The monthly fee increases from $7 to $10 in 2025, to $12 in 2027, and to $14 in 2029.

The increase will support the Walla Walla Fire Department’s operations and service levels. Fire Chief Fred Knowles said the increased ambulance utility fee would also increase staffing by three full-time employees pending approval by City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain.

Except for two grant-funded community paramedics hired in 2021 and 2022, the last time an EMT or paramedic position was added to the department was 1996.

“We have been fortunate to receive grand funding for the community paramedic program and will continue to go after additional grant funding to fund that program,” Knowles said.

From 1994 to 2023, Knowles said WWFD’s calls for service have increased by 55 percent.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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