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Council tables EMS fee changes after questions over Narcan charge; introduces $775,000 bond for sidewalks; several consent items approved
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance to amend EMS/ambulance fees, including nuisance‑call charges and a fee for naloxone administration, but tabled the ordinance pending data about nuisance calls and state naloxone programs. Council also introduced a $775,000 bond ordinance for sidewalk and safety improvements and approved several consent resolutions and claims.
The Hopewell Borough Council introduced Ordinance 9‑17 to amend emergency medical services and ambulance transport fees but voted to table further action to the next meeting after members raised questions about nuisance‑call billing and a specific charge tied to naloxone (Narcan).
Council members said they had received the final draft only hours before the meeting and sought documentation on the frequency and sources of nuisance calls. One council member noted that the nuisance‑call charge appeared aimed at particular facilities that have the ability to transport their own residents; staff said those calls were drawing resources away from other emergencies.
Members questioned why naloxone would carry an administration charge when a state Naloxone Direct Program provides naloxone at no cost. Staff responded that EMS would administer naloxone when clinically indicated and billing would go to insurance first; if a patient refuses transport, insurance often will not pay, so the ordinance adds a soft bill to recover materials costs in those cases. Staff characterized the post‑service billing as “soft billed” (one or two requests) and said they would not pursue collections aggressively for those unable to pay. Council asked staff to provide data on nuisance calls and to confirm participation in state naloxone distribution prior to acting on the ordinance.
After public and council questions, members moved to table the ordinance to the next meeting to allow staff to provide the requested data. The motion to table passed by roll call.
Separately, the council introduced Ordinance 9‑18, a bond ordinance to appropriate $775,000 for sidewalk and safety improvements tied to DOT funding. Staff said the design assistance ($750,000) is separate from the $1,510,000 implementation pot and that the work is fully reimbursable; a formal vote on the bond ordinance is expected at the next meeting.
In a consent block, council approved Resolutions 2026‑66 through 2026‑68 (items included an extension of the tax grace period, a raffle license for a local elementary school, and an encroachment agreement for 33 West Broad) and approved claims for payment by roll call. The meeting concluded after a brief second public comment period with no speakers and a motion to adjourn.
