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CareFlight seeks Northlake support to double water‑bill membership from $1 to $2
Summary
CareFlight representatives asked Northlake council to approve raising the town‑subsidized membership on the water bill from $1 to $2 monthly to cover household membership across CareFlight service area; council pressed for clearer resident education, opt‑out notices and verification of transport counts.
CareFlight told the Northlake Town Council it provides air and ground medical transport across North Texas and has partnered with the town since 2014 through a $1/month membership placed on water bills. A representative explained the nonprofit’s mission, bases, aircraft and staffing, and said the organization covers charity care and offers a membership discount on out‑of‑network transport balances.
CareFlight proposed increasing the town’s water‑bill membership charge from $1 to $2 per month to cover household membership for residents and to address rising operating costs. The representative said enrollment via the water‑bill program yields automatic household coverage, that the membership is effective on application receipt with no waiting period, and that CareFlight recently moved to an online sign‑up and management platform.
Council members and staff pressed for more precise enrollment and transport data, noting figures in the presentation fluctuated during the discussion (speaker said recent counts varied around 6,400 enrolled households and that historical transports recorded since joining Northlake numbered 78). Members asked how residents would access the benefit during emergencies; CareFlight said callers can ask 911 to request CareFlight if available, and hospitals may honor patient requests for specific providers when arranging transfers. Council members recommended a robust education campaign — stickers, key fobs and bill inserts were discussed — if the town agrees to double the fee. The proposed change would take effect with the town’s billing cycle and can be implemented next January if approved.
No formal council vote on the fee increase occurred at the briefing; council directed staff to work with CareFlight on resident outreach options and to bring a formal proposal for consideration.
