Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears proposal for $100 fee after 10 nonemergency 'lift-assist' calls
Summary
Staff presented a first-reading ordinance that would charge $100 for nonemergency mobility-related fire department calls after a person's 10th such call in a calendar year; staff said the measure aims to reduce repeat nonemergency calls and preserve emergency response capacity.
At first reading council received staff's recommendation to institute a fee for nonemergency mobility-related 'lift assist' calls beyond 10 incidents per individual per calendar year. Under the proposal the first 10 calls would continue at no charge; subsequent nonemergency calls would be billed $100. Staff reported the fire department handles nearly 400 such calls a year and said the fee is intended to discourage repeat nonemergency use of emergency responders and protect response times for emergencies.
Staff emphasized that the change is targeted at nonemergency assistance and that emergency responses would continue to be prioritized. If approved on second reading the ordinance would be codified in Chapter 93 as amended and take effect with the calendar change described in the ordinance process.
