Clearwater Council to Review EMS Contract Amendment with Pinellas County, Budget Could Rise 25.4%

The City of Clearwater Council Work Session on Monday, September 28, 2026, will address a significant amendment to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responder Agreement with Pinellas County. This Amendment No. 2 carries potential budget increases for the city, depending on the ratification of Florida Constitutional Amendment 3.

Clearwater residents should note the proposed budget increases. If Florida Constitutional Amendment 3 is ratified, the city faces a 19.9% budget increase for EMS services. If Amendment 3 is not ratified, the increase will be higher, at 25.4%. These figures directly impact how the city funds its critical first responder services.

Beyond the budget adjustments, Amendment No. 2 also outlines specific reimbursement caps for vehicles and hourly rates, providing clarity on operational costs. Pinellas County will also take on the responsibility of providing the Learning Management System for the EMS services, centralizing a key training component.

The agreement, between Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater, aims to update the existing ALS First Responder Agreement. City officials will be authorized to execute this second amendment, solidifying the terms for emergency medical services in the coming period.

The Council Work Session is scheduled for 1:30 PM on Monday, September 28, 2026. Residents interested in understanding the full scope of this agreement and its financial implications for Clearwater's EMS can attend the session or review the agenda item and exhibits, including "2026 ALSFR Clearwater Amendment 2 - FINAL.pdf," available through the City of Clearwater's government meetings portal.