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Council members unanimously agreed to postpone further discussion on raising the city’s paramedic parcel tax, citing economic concerns and confidence in current funding levels.
Council members unanimously agreed to postpone further discussion on raising the city’s paramedic parcel tax, citing economic concerns and confidence in current funding levels.
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands City Council unanimously decided Tuesday, Oct. 7, to table a discussion on whether to pursue an increase to the city’s Paramedic Parcel Assessment, a long-standing tax that helps fund emergency medical services.
Why it matters: The Paramedic Parcel Tax, first approved by voters in 1982 and renewed in 1985, funds salaries, equipment and supplies for firefighter-paramedics across the city.
As service costs continue to rise, city staff were directed to analyze whether the current tax rate generates enough revenue to sustain operations.
The report showed a modest funding gap of about $130,000, which staff said could be covered by the city’s General Fund for now.
Details: During the meeting, staff presented data showing that the paramedic program’s annual costs total roughly $1.27 million, compared to $1.15 million in revenue from the tax. Although expenses slightly outpace revenues, Finance Director Danielle Garcia noted the difference is “manageable” and does not signal a structural deficit.
Had the council opted to move forward, next steps would have included a $15,000–$35,000 consultant review and a $55,000 voter research campaign to gauge support for a possible 2026 ballot measure. Several council members said these costs were difficult to justify.
What they’re saying: Mayor Mario Saucedo voiced opposition to advancing the proposal, saying, “I don’t believe it's worth the investment for the return and the cost of taxing. I think It’s just an ill-conceived time to bring any type of tax to our residents at this time given the economic environment that we’re in.”
Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw agreed, noting that the city’s current budget can absorb the shortfall.
“I don't think that we are far enough out of balance at this point where we should pursue additional funding for that,” Shaw said. “Staff has made it clear that that’s an amount that we can absorb through the general fund.”
Councilmember Denise Davis used the moment to commend the city’s first responders.
“I want to use this as an opportunity to highlight just how amazing our firefighters and paramedics are,” Davis said. “We are so fortunate.”
Moving forward: With the item tabled, council members indicated the issue could be revisited in future years if paramedic service costs continue to grow. For now, staff will continue monitoring expenditures and revenues and reassess the program’s funding balance every three to five years.
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