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Council approves dedicated LifeRide fund after public raises legal concerns about mandatory fee
Summary
Broken Arrow City Council voted to create a separate "LifeRide" fund (Resolution 1751) to hold ambulance-fee revenues and restrict spending to EMS program costs after a resident asked why the charge is mandatory and whether the city has legal authority to collect it without a vote.
The Broken Arrow City Council on (date not specified) voted to approve Resolution No. 1751, creating a dedicated "LifeRide" medical service program fund to hold revenues and cover program administration and EMS costs. The motion passed by roll call with Councilmembers Green, Ford, Parks and Wimpy voting yes.
The fund, city staff said, will segregate LifeRide receipts from the general fund for “full transparency” and authorize transfers of existing balances into the new committed-fund account for the program’s operations and administrative processing. The staff presentation emphasized the resolution limits uses to program-related expenses.
During public comment, Keith Hayes, a resident, urged the council to explain the legal basis for making LifeRide mandatory and for enforcing collection through utility billing. “Do you believe it is right to force citizens to pay for something that they do not want or need under the threat of losing access to essential services such as water without the vote of the people and without their consent?” Hayes asked, saying he could not find a clear legal authority in city ordinances or public records.
City staff and the mayor told Hayes the administration would provide answers and noted the city has submitted at least three responses to the attorney general’s office outlining the legal basis for collecting the fee. A staff member advised that detailed legal discussion in response to litigation threats would occur in executive session.
The council approved Resolution 1751 after the presentation and the public comment period. The ordinance and related documents were discussed on the record and are available in the city’s agenda packet; staff told the council they would follow up directly with Hayes and provide additional materials as requested.
What happens next: the new fund will receive existing LifeRide balances and future collections; staff will oversee implementation, report on transfers and program expenditures, and respond to legal questions about mandated fees when appropriate.
