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Council approves White Memorial agreement after audit finds nearly $900,000 in disputed invoices reduced to $28,000
Summary
Council approved a professional services agreement with White Memorial Hospital to formalize in-custody medical care rates after police and finance staff audited longstanding invoices, reducing disputed charges from around $900,000 to about $28,000; staff said the agreement should prevent future surprise billing.
The City Council unanimously approved a professional services agreement with White Memorial Hospital for in-custody medical services after staff described a multi-month audit of prior invoices following the hospital transition.
Police and finance staff reviewed historical bills and related arrest and medical records and reported that earlier invoices presented to the city contained charges that were not owed; the chief said an exhaustive review reduced what had been presented as roughly $900,000 in claims to about $28,000 the city owed. Staff said the new agreement will codify allowable charges and rates and minimize the risk of future surprise invoices resulting from transitions among hospital providers.
City staff reviewed legal guidance including relevant penal-code and health-and-safety provisions and noted that historical annual costs for this service averaged under $15,000. Council members praised the diligence of police and finance staff and emphasized the importance of a transparent contract that can be updated as rates change. The council voted unanimously to approve the agreement.
