Rural Metro to begin charging non-subscribers $600 for emergency medical responses, officials say

Rural Metro Fire Chief Jeff Devlin told Knox County commissioners that the company will begin billing non-subscribers a flat $600 fee for first-responder emergency medical services starting around mid-to-late April.

“Starting either April 15 or at the end of the month, we are gonna start billing non subscribers a flat fee of $600 for that emergency medical response,” Devlin said, noting Rural Metro had not billed non-subscribers for such services since 1977. He said the change is intended to encourage people to subscribe to coverage and help offset costs as the county grows.

Why it matters: Commissioners pressed for clarity on scope and outreach because the new bills will be the first many residents receive explaining how emergency services are funded. Commissioner Hill asked whether the charge is separate from fire service and limited to emergency medical response; Devlin confirmed it applies to emergency medical services only and that subscribers’ rescue, hazmat and fire services remain covered.

Commissioner Jay requested a sample invoice and explanatory letter that would accompany the bill so the commission can see what constituents will receive; Devlin said he would provide a sample and that bills would include information on subscription options. Devlin said Rural Metro already uses similar billing practices in Arizona.

On timing and protections: Devlin told the commission the goal is to begin billing “the fifteenth through the end of the month,” effectively around April 1, and that no retroactive bills would be issued. He said Rural Metro intends to avoid billing renters directly when landlords are the responsible subscriber and described an intent to coordinate with the county trustee so seniors on property tax freeze protections would not be charged.

Subscription details and transfers: When asked whether prepaid subscriptions transfer within the county, Devlin said the service generally allows transfers within the jurisdiction but does not typically issue prorated refunds if someone leaves the county. He also noted Rural Metro did apply a 5% rate increase earlier in the year that was separate from this change.

What happens next: Commissioners asked for written materials to review (a sample invoice and explanatory letter) and for staff to monitor constituent inquiries once bills are issued. The policy change was presented for discussion only at the optional review meeting; no county action or formal vote was recorded.