The Cleveland City Council approved amendments to the city’s ambulance service ordinance on Friday, setting new fee structures that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. The changes target households and businesses that receive a Cleveland utility bill, as well as rural residents in Pawnee County who wish to enroll in a voluntary subscription.
Fee increase for utility customers
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, the monthly ambulance service charge for any residential, commercial or industrial account tied to a Cleveland utility will rise from $5 to $10 per billing cycle. Multi‑family properties with a master meter will be billed $10 per month for each family unit.
New subscription option for rural residents
Rural homeowners in Pawnee County who live on or east of State Highway 99 and do not receive ambulance billing through a Cleveland utility may voluntarily join the city’s ambulance subscription program. The introductory rate is $15 per month for the first six months (January‑June 2027), totaling $90. Starting July 1, the program will shift to an annual fee of $180, payable by July 10 each year. Coverage includes eligible residents whose primary residence is the enrolled address and extends to qualifying ambulance calls at that location or elsewhere within the designated geographic area.
Charges for non‑subscribers
Rural residents who do not enroll, as well as calls that fall outside the subscription’s coverage criteria, will incur an additional $800 city ambulance service charge per qualifying call. The extra charge applies only when ambulance services are actually provided, the patient does not refuse treatment, and the care is delivered by ambulance personnel. This fee is separate from any charges assessed by the private ambulance service provider.
City’s rationale
City officials said the fee adjustments are intended to distribute the cost of maintaining ambulance services more equitably across the community, including the surrounding rural areas that rely on Cleveland’s emergency response capabilities. The council’s decision follows a review of the agency’s budget and the growing demand for emergency medical transport.
Next steps for residents
The city will release detailed enrollment instructions for the rural subscription program in the coming weeks. Residents with utility accounts will see the updated charge reflected on their Jan. 2027 billing statements. Officials encourage anyone with questions to contact the Cleveland City Hall finance office.
Community impact
By expanding the funding base, the council aims to preserve rapid ambulance response times for both urban and rural callers, a critical component of public safety in Cleveland and its neighboring communities. The fee structure also provides a clear, predictable cost for households that choose to opt into the subscription, helping families plan their monthly expenses.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
