Montgomery County lawmakers approved an ambulance fee Tuesday, just 18 months after more than 148,000 county voters rejected the charge on the November 2010 ballot. The fee is expected to generate $7.6 million in fiscal 2013 — when it will be effective for half the fiscal year — and $16 million to $18 million annually between fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2018. The money would go into a dedicated fund for the Fire and Rescue Service.

“We’ve had to reduce units the last couple budget cycles, and we’ll be able to increase our response capacity, our staffing, other equipment needs, as well as training with respect to this revenue,” said Fire Chief Richard Bowers.