Ripon board discusses lift‑assist billing, pool‑filling requests and future legal RFP

The Ripon Area Fire District board discussed two community‑facing policy questions — whether to seek reimbursement for lift assists and whether to provide swimming‑pool filling service — and set several items for follow up.

On lift assists, board members said the district is not certified to bill Medicare or Medicaid without appropriate clinical oversight (such as an RN), and members reported that nearby EMS providers (Med 1/Med 2) are planning coverage changes that could reduce lift‑assist calls to the fire district. The board agreed to track lift‑assist frequency for another month and report back on whether Med 2’s staffing changes affect call volumes before any billing decision.

On filling backyard swimming pools, a board member said the insurance carrier advised that providing the service is not recommended because it “increases the district’s liability exposure,” although the policy contains no explicit exclusion. Board members noted practical constraints (meter rental cost cited at about $75, property and liner damage risk if filled too quickly) and directed residents to city options for sewer credits where available. The group concluded there was no need for an immediate motion to authorize pool‑fills and effectively denied ad hoc filling requests.

Separately the board placed an RFP for legal services on a future agenda as part of follow‑up from the invoice discussion and voted to request counsel work product at this meeting. The board moved into closed session at the end of the meeting under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.85(1)(c) to discuss employment matters.