Executive Summary
The Ways & Means Committee held a hearing on Dockets #0733-0740 regarding the FY27 operating budget for the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu and EMS Chief Jim Hooley presented updates on the 'Live Long and Well' health equity agenda, recovery and homeless services, and emergency medical response. Key highlights included a 1.6% appropriation increase designed to offset rising fringe benefit costs, a significant 9.3% reduction in Priority 1 EMS response times, and the allocation of $18 million in opioid settlement funds over four years. Public testimony from EMS union representatives emphasized the need for pay equity, improved fleet maintenance, and better equipment for frontline workers.
Meeting Information
- Date: May 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM
- Governing Body: City Council - Ways & Means Committee
- Meeting Type: Budget Hearing
- Dockets: #0733-0740 (FY27 Operating Budget for BPHC)
- Chair: Councilor Benjamin Weber
- Councilors Present: Edward Flynn, Liz Breadon, John Fitzgerald, Enrique Pepén, Miniard Culpepper.
- Panelists: Dr. Bisola Ojikutu (Commissioner of Public Health), Chris Valdez (BPHC Budget Director), Jim Hooley (Chief of EMS).
BPHC FY27 Budget and Financial Overview
Budget Director Chris Valdez detailed the fiscal year 2027 recommended budget, noting that BPHC must cover its own fringe expenses.
- Appropriation: The budget reflects a 1.6% year-over-year increase, preserving staff and services while meeting the Mayor's reduction guidance.
- Fringe Benefit Stressors: Pension expenses are scheduled to increase by 5%, and healthcare premiums by over 20%.
- Revenue Streams:
- City Appropriation: 72%
- Federal Sources: 15% (including HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS program)
- State Sources: 8%
- Other (including Opioid Settlements): 5%
- EMS Revenue: Transport billings generate approximately $40 million, which acts as a direct offset to the city appropriation.
Live Long and Well: Population Health Equity Agenda
Dr. Ojikutu presented the 'Live Long and Well' initiative, aimed at closing life expectancy gaps in Boston by 2035.
- Key Data: Black male life expectancy is nine years lower than the city average. Top causes of death include drug overdose, heart disease, cancer, and homicide.
- Recent Investments:
- $5 Million: Invested in community-led partnerships to build wealth in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan.
- $1 Million: Allocated from the declaration of racism as a public health crisis to focus on Black men's health.
- $1 Million: Partnership with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for cancer prevention and outreach.
Recovery and Homeless Services
The Commission highlighted efforts to address substance use disorder and homelessness through the Recovery Services Bureau and Homeless Services Bureau.
- Overdose Mortality: Reported a 39% decrease from 2023 to 2024, with a further 9% decrease from 2024 to 2025.
- Syringe Collection: Utilizes a four-pronged approach including the Mobile Sharps team, 'Red Shirt' outreach teams, the Newmarket BID 'Back to Work' program (25-person team), and disposal kiosks.
- PATHs Program: Facilitated 1,274 client placements for treatment through April 30, FY26.
- Shelter Statistics: Served 2,884 unique individuals and provided 643,942 meals. 182 individuals were placed into permanent housing in FY26 to date.
- Opioid Settlement Funds: $18 million is being allocated over four years for housing, case management, and Narcan distribution.
Boston EMS Operations and Capital Projects
Chief Jim Hooley provided an update on emergency medical services and infrastructure.
- Response Times: Median Priority 1 response times improved from 7.5 minutes to 6.8 minutes (a 9.3% reduction).
- Staffing: The department includes 440 uniformed members. In 2025, EMS hired 30 cadets and 67 new EMTs.
- Fleet and Infrastructure:
- 26 new ambulances are currently on order; 14 were received this fiscal year.
- A new two-bay EMS station on the South Boston Waterfront is expected to open in Summer 2026.
- A multi-year radio infrastructure upgrade ($20M+) is nearing completion to ensure interoperability with Police and Fire.
Public Testimony
Several members of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association (BPPA) EMS Division provided testimony regarding working conditions:
- Jason Yuckins (President, BPPA EMS): Highlighted a significant pay gap, stating, "A five-year EMT at Boss EMS is paid nearly 60% less than a firefighter." He urged the council to invest in retention to prevent experienced professionals from leaving.
- Miles Royal (EMT): Emphasized the mental and emotional toll of the work and the need for continued investment in ALS and BLS units.
- Rory Deering (EMT): Raised concerns about the aging fleet, specifically diesel emissions and air quality for providers and patients.
- James McCabe (VP, BPPA EMS): Argued that EMS should be officially classified as "essential work" and noted that current pay does not reflect the skill required for life-saving care.
- George May IV (Paramedic): Reported a lack of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) during a recent water rescue at the airport.
Councilor Inquiries and Official Actions
- Equipment Safety: In response to testimony, Chief Hooley confirmed that PFDs were being stocked in all ambulances as of the day of the hearing.
- Allston-Brighton Service: Councilor Breadon inquired about ALS response times in Allston-Brighton. Chief Hooley noted that while median times are improving, the department is looking to add an additional ALS unit to the ranks.
- Diversity and Recruitment: Councilor Culpepper requested a breakdown of the diversity of recent recruit classes and promotions. Chief Hooley committed to providing this data through the Chair.
- Laundry Services: Councilor Culpepper presented a feasibility study to Dr. Ojikutu regarding bringing homeless shelter laundry services in-house to save approximately $937,000 annually.
- Upcoming RFP: Dr. Ojikutu announced a $600,000 'boots on the ground' RFP for community-based overdose response to be released in June.