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Council approves funding for concrete barriers for outdoor dining; hears concerns about new ambulance billing rates
Summary
Council approved a $15,000 appropriation to cover rental and installation of concrete Jersey barriers for on‑street outdoor dining and discussed a separate ordinance aligning local ambulance billing with a new state schedule; a resident urged protection for uninsured Concord patients.
The Concord City Council voted March 9 to appropriate $15,000 (funded by outdoor‑dining license revenues) to cover rental, installation and removal of concrete Jersey barriers to enclose on‑street outdoor dining spaces for the upcoming 2026 season.
City management told the council the 2023 appropriation has nearly been expended and proposed a non‑warrant fee to recover rental and installation costs from restaurants that choose to encumber parking spaces. Officials said restaurants can make private arrangements to supply barriers that meet New Hampshire DOT specifications, but if they use the city's vendor the rental and administration fee will apply.
Why it matters: Councilors asked about aesthetics and equity for restaurants that use parks or public spaces; some members urged staff to consider fees for park uses to equalize costs across businesses. Resident Roy Schweikher told the council users should pay and suggested parking‑space reservation fees be calculated at the regular downtown parking rate times expected hours.
Ambulance billing ordinance: In a separate public hearing, the council reviewed an ordinance to align local fees with New Hampshire Senate Bill 245 (effective 01/01/2026), which establishes ground‑ambulance reimbursement at 3.25 times Medicare rates for non‑Medicare/Medicaid payers. The City Manager explained the state law creates higher allowable charges for ground ambulance services that the city can apply to insurers and self‑pay patients; Medicare and Medicaid continue to be paid at their existing rates.
Resident testimony: Roy Schweikher, who follows legislative changes to ambulance billing, urged the council to protect uninsured residents by billing them a lower multiple (about double Medicare) rather than 3.25×, saying the higher multiplier would impose hardship on uninsured Concord residents. The City Manager and staff acknowledged the equity concern and noted there is an administrative mechanism to request non‑collection in cases of financial hardship.
Council action: The appropriation for barrier rental and installation passed by voice vote. The ambulance‑fee ordinance proceeded through public hearing and council discussion; councilors asked whether the change will generate revenue and about administrative options to limit bills to residents when appropriate. Administration said it anticipates some additional revenue from insurer billing but emphasized existing protections for those unable to pay.
What's next: Administration will establish the new fee schedule and publish details for restaurants considering on‑street outdoor dining; staff said they will also publicize billing and hardship procedures for ambulance charges and return with any implementation details required.
