City delays AMR contract renewal

There could soon be a change in ambulance service in Colorado Springs.

The Emergency Service Agency’s contract with American Medical Response expires in 2013.

In June, the ESA board voted to extend the contract with AMR for two years. El Paso County Commissioners approved the renewal contract at the end of June.

The contract was scheduled to go before city council for approval, but the city has delayed adopting the renewal, according to ESA member Sallie Clark.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department has recommended not to approve the two-year renewal to City Council, said ESA.

“From what I’ve heard, they (the city) want an additional $2 million to come to Colorado Springs through AMR, which is likely to raise ambulance rates,” said Clark.

CSFD said that information is not true and that more information will be coming soon.

A special meeting has been scheduled to discuss the implications for the ESA.

The meeting is on Friday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Pikes Peak Regional Development Center on 2880 International Circle. The meeting is open to the public.