Spokane to join ambulance effort

Spokane will join other fire districts and cities that are working to create countywide ambulance service.

In a tie vote earlier this month, the City Council rejected a proposal to join the board created to take bids on the project.

But on Monday, Councilman Al French, who was absent for the first vote, joined council members Joe Shogan, Nancy McLaughlin, Steve Corker and Mike Allen in supporting the proposal. Shogan brought the matter back for reconsideration.

The city recently approved a five-year contract extension with American Medical Response for ambulance service. The contract included stipulations to break the deal if the city preferred joining the countywide effort.

Supporters of the proposal argue it will allow Spokane to participate if the countywide deal turns out to be better than the city’s current contract.

Opponents argue that joining the board is a waste of time because, they say, a contract that includes rural areas is not likely to be cheaper than the city’s deal. They expressed concerns about handing control of ambulance service to the countywide board.