URGENT UPDATE: The Clarkston City Council has just voted unanimously, with a 7-0 decision, to fund emergency medical services (EMS) for the next nine months. The council convened on Monday night to address the urgent need for continued EMS support after a failed levy attempt in November left services at risk.
With the 2026 budget initially cutting EMS funding, officials are now pushing for a new levy to be presented to voters in August, aiming to secure resources through September. Councilor Skate Pierce highlighted that using reserve funds will significantly impact the city’s financial health, emphasizing the need for a more reasonable proposal than the one that was rejected last fall.
“If we run an outrageous levy, it won’t pass,” Councilor Russ Evans stated, pointing out that many residents are struggling financially. The previous proposal was deemed too burdensome for property owners, with Evans advocating for a more sustainable approach to funding EMS.
In a city where the EMS levy had never failed before, council members are responding to mounting public advocacy for the service. Recent council meetings have seen packed attendance, with residents expressing their strong support for keeping EMS operational. Fire Chief Darren White confirmed that ambulance transports and medical services contribute to the budget, but some expenses have been shifted to the fire department to make the current funding plan viable.
“We provide a lot of services and that costs money,”
said Mayor Monika Lawrence, stressing the importance of sales tax revenue for the city’s financial stability. Without major retailers like Costco and Walmart, Clarkston would face severe budget constraints, especially given the limited property tax income due to many tax-exempt properties in the area.
On average, the city spends about $130,000 monthly on wages and benefits for paramedics and firefighters. Councilor Robin Albers is requesting further details on the budget and revenue streams as the city prepares for the upcoming levy request, which is crucial for maintaining the current staff levels at the fire station.
The council is also grappling with the lack of a contract with the professional firefighters union, which has led to uncertainty regarding personnel. However, Chief White assured that the four employees previously notified about potential layoffs will remain employed while an agreement is anticipated soon.
As the situation develops, Clarkston residents are keenly watching how the council will navigate this financial challenge. The city has made it clear that maintaining essential services like EMS is a priority, but the path forward requires careful planning and community support.
In addition to financial discussions, the council recognized the contributions of Councilor David Vinton, who will resign on December 31, 2025, to focus on family commitments. His departure marks a significant change in the council, and he reflected on his time serving the community, highlighting the sometimes dramatic issues faced in local governance.
As Clarkston prepares for the upcoming challenges, officials are urging residents to stay engaged and informed about the future of their emergency services and overall city budget. The next steps are critical, and the council’s actions in the coming months will be pivotal for ensuring that essential services remain intact for the community.
