Passed by the Highfill City Council: October 13, 2026
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Highfill City Council passed Ordinance 2026-19, authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Ambulance Service Agreement with Pafford Medical Services, Inc. This agreement ensures that Highfill receives essential Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical services with transport capabilities—critical resources not currently available within the City.
At a Glance: What This Ordinance Does
• Authorizes the Mayor to execute an Ambulance Service Agreement with Pafford Medical Services, Inc.
• Establishes a four-year service term beginning January 25, 2027, with automatic annual renewals thereafter.
• Sets the annual service fee at $42,480, payable quarterly, with adjustments as allowed under the agreement.
• Waives competitive bidding due to the infeasibility of sourcing comparable services through standard procurement methods.
• Declares an emergency, allowing the ordinance to take effect immediately for the protection of public health and safety.
Summary for Residents
Highfill will now have access to dedicated emergency medical services provided by Pafford Medical Services, Inc., a regional provider serving multiple nearby communities. This agreement ensures rapid emergency response, trained personnel, and ambulance transport for residents. The City approved the agreement without competitive bidding due to the urgent need for service and the specialized nature of ALS transport capabilities.
Detailed Overview
Why This Agreement Was Needed
Highfill did not previously have in-city Advanced Life Support emergency medical services. Recognizing the necessity of timely emergency response, the City sought out a qualified provider capable of delivering comprehensive EMS support. Pafford Medical Services has the personnel, equipment, and experience to meet these needs.
Agreement Details
Under the agreement:
• Pafford will provide ALS emergency medical services and transport.
• The contract term is four years, beginning January 25, 2027, with annual automatic renewals unless otherwise amended or terminated.
• The City’s annual cost is $42,480, billed quarterly. Fees may adjust according to the terms outlined in the agreement.
• The service agreement also includes partnerships with neighboring municipalities such as Cave Springs, Decatur, and Gentry, as well as Benton County.
Waiver of Competitive Bidding
The City determined that due to exceptional circumstances and the specialized nature of ALS services, competitive bidding was not feasible or practical. This allowed the City to move forward swiftly with the agreement.
Emergency Clause
To ensure uninterrupted emergency medical protection for residents, the ordinance includes an emergency declaration, enabling immediate implementation upon passage.
View Ordinance 2026-19 [PDF]