Long-running paramedic debate could end tonight

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Months after the failure of the EMS levy ignited a debate about paramedics and firefighters, the Yakima City Council is expected to settle the issue once and for all tonight.

"With any luck we'll get this resolved," Councilman Bill Lover said Monday during a media briefing at City Hall. "I certainly don't want to try to anticipate what (the outcome) will be."

That's because newly appointed Councilwoman Maureen Adkison is expected to cast a tie-breaking vote, and she's not talking.

Up for grabs yet again is the fire department's request to launch a limited paramedic program.

The request has been the subject of ongoing debate ever since February, when the failure of the EMS levy scotched plans to hire 12 firefighters and start a full-scale paramedic program.

Despite the setback, the fire department wants permission to start a more limited program using two firefighters on staff who are already certified as paramedics.

Opponents say the public's overwhelming rejection of the EMS levy should be translated as a clear-cut rejection of a full-scale paramedic program. They say the private sector -- two private ambulance companies currently serve the region -- is already meeting the need.

Supporters, however, say the issue is a matter of public safety and that the only reliable interpretation of the EMS vote is that the public didn't want a new tax.

The council was expected to settle the debate last month but instead tabled the matter due to an expected 3-3 stalemate caused by the resignation of Councilman Neil McClure.

Council members Dave Edler, Kathy Coffey and Sonia Rodriguez support the request. Councilmembers Micah Cawley, Rick Ensey and Lover are opposed.

That same night the council appointed Adkison to fill the vacancy, setting the stage for tonight's vote.

* Chris Bristol can be reached at 509-577-7748 or at cbristol@yakimaherald.com.