05/21/2026
Over the past several months, Howard County Ambulance has worked to provide factual information regarding the proposed property purchase and future facility plans presented to the City Council.
This proposal was not developed overnight. The need for expansion was identified in 2023 after reviewing years of call volume data, staffing needs, response patterns, and the limitations of our current facility.
Some important facts presented to the City Council include:
• Our annual call volume has grown from approximately 1,000 calls per year to over 1,500 calls per year.
• The second crew is now utilized on nearly 500 calls annually.
• Approximately 67% of our calls leave the base and travel Highway 5, making this location the most effective single-site option for serving the entire district.
• The proposed facility is designed to support two 24-hour in-house ALS crews, which our current building cannot adequately accommodate.
• The goal is to build a facility that blends into the neighborhood with a residential appearance, green space, preserved trees, and community-friendly design features.
• The project is also intended to improve recruitment and retention by providing an environment where EMS professionals can live and work during 24-hour shifts in a safe, functional, and family-conscious setting.
• It is also important to note that the current ambulance base was built in 1993 and later zoned as R1 residential. The current base already sits in the same RS1 zone as the proposed location.
The Board explored multiple options, including split-base concepts and alternative locations. After reviewing response data, logistics, staffing considerations, and long-term operational needs, it became clear that a single expanded location best serves the needs of Howard County as a whole.
We understand that not everyone will agree, and we respect the opinions being shared. However, we believe decisions of this importance should be guided by facts, long-term planning, operational data, and what best supports emergency medical care for the entire community.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to review the proposal materials, ask questions, and stay involved in the process.
