San Marcos has taken a significant step in enhancing its emergency medical services by establishing a city-run EMS department. This move follows regional changes in Hays County’s emergency service delivery, as local jurisdictions shift towards independent service structures. The city has been receiving emergency services from San Marcos-Hays County EMS since 1983.
According to Russell Wilde, the city’s public safety communications specialist, the transition to a city-operated EMS service will not disrupt patient care, medical oversight, or clinical standards. The same medical director and clinical operating guidelines will remain in place, ensuring a seamless transition for residents.
Jill Rosales has been appointed as the San Marcos EMS chief. Rosales, who currently serves as the CEO of San Marcos Hays County EMS, will lead operations and make department hiring decisions. The draft budget for the new EMS department is approximately $9 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year, as stated by Wilde.
Phased Hiring Process
The new department plans to implement a phased hiring process, prioritizing current San Marcos Hays County EMS personnel to maintain continuity of care. This approach aims to ensure that the transition does not affect the quality of emergency medical services provided to the community.
Comprehensive Evaluation
In 2025, San Marcos conducted a feasibility study in collaboration with Matrix Consulting Group to evaluate EMS service options. Assistant City Manager Lonzo Anderson highlighted that the study included facility assessments, service demand analysis, peer city comparisons, and evaluations of alternative EMS delivery models. Since August 2025, the city has been engaged in a comprehensive evaluation of emergency medical services delivery models in response to evolving regional EMS dynamics.
The City Council directed staff to analyze the recommendations, focusing on hiring practices, transition practices, labor protection options, quality of care, and the implementation timeline. This thorough analysis was crucial in the decision to establish a city-run EMS department, ensuring that the needs of San Marcos residents are met effectively.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
