The Amarillo City Council reviewed the renewal of a firefighter health screening contract during Tuesday’s meeting, prompting discussion about cost, vendor location, and whether local healthcare providers could deliver similar services for the city’s firefighters.
The contract under consideration is with Life Scan Wellness Centers, a company based in Tampa, Florida, which provides annual firefighter medical and fitness evaluations. The renewal item was listed on the agenda at a cost of just under $264,500 per year.
The discussion began when Councilman Les Simpson requested that the item be pulled from the consent agenda for further review. Simpson questioned why the city uses an out-of-state provider and raised the possibility that local providers could perform the same services.
Despite raising concerns, Simpson voted in favor of approving the renewal.
On Thursday, Simpson issued a statement outlining his position on the contract and his broader concerns regarding cost and value.
"On Tuesday, Council reviewed the renewal of Amarillo's firefighter health screening program. I voted for approval because our firefighters deserve the best care possible."
Simpson emphasized that while firefighter health and safety remains a priority, city officials should also evaluate whether taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently.
According to Simpson, the city previously used a local provider for firefighter health screenings before transitioning to the current Florida-based vendor. He said this change raised questions about whether services could be provided locally while maintaining the same level of care.
One of Simpson’s concerns involved whether the medical professionals conducting the evaluations are based in Amarillo or traveling from outside the area to perform screenings. He questioned whether travel costs might contribute to higher overall expenses under the current agreement.
Simpson also referenced cost comparisons between the current provider and the previous local provider. He cited examples of specific medical services that have increased under the Florida vendor, including a chest X-ray rising from $55 to $103 and a fecal occult blood test increasing from $30 to $56.
He raised the question of whether local physicians, imaging centers, laboratories, and other healthcare professionals could provide some or all of the required services while maintaining the same standard of care for firefighters.
Simpson said his concerns center on balancing firefighter health needs with responsible use of public funds and ensuring that the city considers local options when feasible.
"Our firefighters deserve the best care possible."
He summarized his perspective on the contract by stating:
"My goal is simple: the best care, the best value, and local when possible."
Simpson added that he has requested additional information from city staff ahead of the next renewal cycle. He said he wants council members to have a clearer understanding of costs, provider structure, and whether alternative providers could meet the city’s needs.
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