Clearwater Council to Vote on $200K Fire Department Contract and EMS Budget Increases September 28

The Clearwater City Council will convene for a Work Session on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM, to consider significant financial approvals impacting the city's Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services. The agenda includes a substantial purchase order for fire services and an amendment to the Pinellas County EMS agreement, both presented as consent items.

Residents should note these items directly affect critical public safety services and taxpayer funds. The proposed expenditures and budget adjustments will shape how the city's emergency response capabilities are funded and managed in the coming year.

One key item, ID#26-1207, involves approving a purchase order to Maire Company Inc. for $196,496.00. This payment covers services for the Fire Department for the final renewal term, beginning October 1, 2026, and extending through September 30, 2027. The services fall under an existing agreement dated October 1, 2022, and also include additional services outside its original scope. The city processes this as a non-competitive purchase, as permitted by City of Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d).

Another crucial item, ID#26-1199, addresses Amendment No. 2 to the Pinellas County EMS ALS First Responder Agreement. This amendment proposes a budget increase for EMS services, with the exact percentage contingent on the outcome of Florida Constitutional Amendment 3. If Amendment 3 is ratified, the budget will increase by 19.9%; if it is not ratified, the increase will be 25.4%. The amendment also establishes new reimbursement caps for vehicles and hourly rates, and Pinellas County will take on the responsibility of providing the Learning Management System.

The Council Work Session will take place on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM. Both the Maire Company Inc. purchase order and the EMS agreement amendment are listed as consent items, meaning they are typically approved without extensive discussion unless a council member requests otherwise.