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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Fire Department Billing Consolidation and Request for Appropriations
1.Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 5 to the Professional Services Agreement with Wittman Enterprises, LLC (C105522A) increasing the contracted amount to account for the increased billing services for Fire Prevention Bureau programs and ambulance billing services due to increased revenues associated with the Public Provider Ground Emergency Medical Transportation Inter-Governmental Transfer (PP-GEMT-IGT) program, thus increasing the contract amount by $350,000 to the new total not-to-exceed amount of $3,661,037.
2.Resolution of Appropriation
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for May 19, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since January 2023, the implementation of the Public Provider Ground Emergency Medical Transportation Intergovernmental Transfer program has significantly increased Medi-Cal reimbursement rates (from $381 to $1,049 per transport. Revenues have increased beyond what was predicted, and rates are expected to rise to $1,596 for 2025 transports and $1,636 later this year. Combined with increased Los Angeles County ambulance transport rates and increased transport volume over the past two years, these changes have substantially increased revenue and, in turn, billing-related expenditures, thereby exhausting current appropriations.
In addition, the Department utilizes Wittman billing services for several programs, including vegetation management inspections, residential inspections, and false alarms.
These programs currently rely on EMS billing funds rather than a dedicated funding source; hence additional appropriations are requested.
Revenue for the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) has also increased due to higher fees and 10b2
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will increase further with the addition of 7,410 parcels in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) that require new inspections. This report seeks authorization to expand the Wittman agreement to include FPB billing services and to increase appropriations to align with higher revenue generated through the PP-GEMT-IGT and expanded vegetation management programs.
RECOMMENDATION
That City Council approve the motion authorizing Amendment No. 5 with Wittman increasing the contract amount by $350,000 to the new total not-to-exceed amount of $3,661,037, to account for the increased billing services for vegetation management inspections, residential inspections, and false alarm programs, and EMS billing services to accommodate higher processing costs associated with increased revenues from the FPB services and the PP-GEMT-IGT program.
ANALYSIS
The Glendale Fire Department operates under a seven-year agreement (C105522A) with Wittman Enterprises, LLC (Wittman) for ambulance billing services. Historically, EMS billing costs have remained stable based on transport volume and contract terms.
Participation in the PP-GEMT-IGT program has significantly increased Medi-Cal reimbursement for ambulance transports. While this has generated substantial net revenue for the city, it has also increased billing costs, which are based on a percentage of collections. The current purchase order with Wittman Enterprises must therefore be increased to ensure sufficient funding and maintain uninterrupted service.
Separately, the Fire Prevention Bureau has identified the need to establish a dedicated funding source for its billing services through Wittman Enterprises, rather than relying on the existing EMS account. Through higher fees and a significant number of new VMP inspections, the revenue in the FPB has increased, leading to higher billing rates that need additional appropriations.
These adjustments will ensure that billing services are properly funded and sustained without disruption.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
This adjustment will not impact service delivery to the public. Instead, it is expected to improve internal efficiency and enhance the City’s ability to accurately bill and recover costs associated with Fire Department services.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of Amendment No. 5 to the Professional Services Agreement with Wittman for billing services varies annually based on transport volume and total revenue collected. 10b3
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Increasing the contract amount is expected to be offset by improved revenue recovery and enhanced billing efficiency. The additional costs for this fiscal year were not accounted for in the FY 2025-26 approved budget; thus, staff is requesting a resolution of appropriation of $159,200 from the Undesignated General Fund Balance. The appropriation request is below.
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$36,286 43110-1010-GFD-4001-P0000- General Fund
$28,176 43110-1010-GFD-4003-P0000- General Fund
Department Cost Center Program
Fire Emergency Medical Services (4001), Fire Prevention Bureau (4003) Requesting Appropriation
Amount From (Account
String)
To (Account String) Funding Source
$149,200 25300-1010-000- 43110-1010-GFD-
4001-P0000-
General Fund
$10,000 25300-1010-000- 43110-1010-GFD-
4003-P0000-
General Fund
Department Cost Center Program
Fire Emergency Medical Services (4001), Fire Prevention Bureau (4003) The Proposed FY 2026-27 budget includes $400,000 in contractual services for ambulance billing services, and $250,000 for FPB billing services. This amendment will result in an increase in appropriation of $75,000 in ambulance billing services only. The total proposed budget for these services will be revised per the following table.
Proposed FY 2026-27 Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$475,000 43110-1010-GFD-4001-P0000- General Fund
Department Cost Center Program
Fire Emergency Medical Services
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
N/A
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
The following personnel are employed by Wittman who have a direct financial interest:
Corinne Wittman-Wong, CEO
Walter Imboden, President and CFO
Kathryn Garcia, Vice President
David Wittman, COO
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ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Jeffrey Brooks, Fire Chief
Prepared by:
Todd Tucker, Deputy Chief
Edward Marquez, Battalion Chief
Nayiri Moumdjian, Deputy Director of Fire Administration Jovan Diaz, Fire Marshal
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None