Edgewood losing county fire, EMS coverage after settlement ends 21-year agreement
Edgewood residents will need new fire and EMS coverage after June 30 following a legal settlement that ends the town's 21-year agreement with Santa Fe County.
Edgewood residents face a July 1 deadline for new fire and emergency medical services after the town and Santa Fe County agreed to terminate a joint services agreement — and both sides are telling different stories about why.
The two governments reached a walkaway settlement ending all claims with no financial payment by either party, according to statements from both. The Joint Powers Agreement, in place since 2005, expires June 30, 2026. After that date, county firefighters and ambulances stationed at Station 70 on Municipal Way will no longer respond as the town’s primary service providers.
Santa Fe County says the town stopped paying its share — dropping from $658,077 in fiscal year 2023 to a claimed obligation of roughly $10,000 in fiscal year 2024 — and refused mediation, forcing a lawsuit. The town disputes that characterization, arguing the payment reduction reflected a contract interpretation dispute over a gross receipts tax formula, and says it was the county that filed suit before the JPA’s mediation process was completed.
The town says it is “actively working” with both private and public providers to ensure continued coverage. County firefighters will not lose their jobs; personnel and equipment from Station 70 will be redeployed to serve the remainder of the southern region.
Edgewood fire and EMS transition — get involved:
- Public work session: April 14, 2026, 5 p.m.
- Location: Edgewood Town Hall Commission Chambers, 171-A NM 344