Establishing a User Fee Ambulance/Medical services Fire Department

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Peter H. Mullen Director, Administration and Finance Members of South Bend County -City South Bend, CITY of SOUTH BEND PETER J. NEMETH, Mayor COUNTY -CITY BUILDING SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 September 20, 1978 the Common Council Common Council Building; 4th floor IV 46601 Dear Council Members: 219/284 -9742 Attached is an ordinance establishing a cost for ambulance service provided by our Fire Department. As you are aware, from the inception of this service the City has never charged for this service even though the cost of operation has increased. Most communities,not only in this area but state wide, charge a fee for service. Because our service is provided without a charge, it is estimated that at least 1/3 of the ambulance runs are either for a taxi service or of a non - emergency nature. These calls, we feel, will be virtually eliminated; thus, freeing the paramedics to handle only those calls that are a valid emergency. Further, it is anticipated that the calls that come into the 911 number will be reduced, as will any back up police assistance. Therefore, we are requesting a fee of $35.00 be set for all ambulance runs. This fee will be inclusive; that is, there will be no additional charges for mileage, treatment, or drugs. The maximum for any ambulance run will, therefore, be $35.00. Consistent with the administrations' policy on Senior Citizens, it is our decision to set a rate of $20.00 for all city residents over the age'-of 65. It is our feeling that with these established rates we could receive, with a maximum collection effort, over $100,000.00, and that the majority of this can be collected from insurance companies. Your approval of this is appreciated. Si rely, Peter H. Mullen City Controller agd