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Steering Committee backs fire cost-recovery ordinance, adds water-rescue fees to schedule
Summary
The committee unanimously recommended that the full Council adopt a Fire Prevention and Protection Cost Recovery Ordinance and a fee schedule that for the first time includes water-rescue charges; Fire Chief Bud Meyers said fees were modeled on other towns and the schedule will be reviewed annually.
The Steering Committee on June 22 recommended the full Town Council adopt a Fire Prevention and Protection Cost Recovery Ordinance and an accompanying fee schedule that adds charges for water rescues.
Fire Chief Bud Meyers attended to review a revised draft and told members he modeled the water-rescue fees on charges used by other towns. Alex Taylor said the ordinance language and formatting were updated to align with past ordinances, and that new subsections clarify definitions related to insurance-only billing, balance billing and the availability of a hardship waiver.
Chair Jonathan Hand and other members asked how water-rescue fees were decided; Meyers responded that he had gathered sample fees from other departments. The committee discussed the practical rationale for cost recovery and noted that the fee schedule will be reviewed annually. The motions to recommend adoption of the ordinance and the fee schedule passed unanimously.
The recommendation moves the ordinance and fee schedule to the full Town Council for formal adoption and subsequent implementation details, including annual review of fees.
