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Council holds first reading of ordinance updating fire and EMS fees
Summary
Council held a first reading of an ordinance updating fire suppression, EMS transportation and hazmat fees, referencing a state act. Captain Darnell and staff explained that billings generally go to insurers, not residents, and discussed hazmat and railroad incident procedures.
The council conducted a first reading of an ordinance to update fire suppression fees, EMS transportation charges and hazmat fees. The mayor said Chief Arvey referenced a state statute as the basis for parts of the update.
Mayor Phillips cited the reference as "state of Alabama act 2026‑349" regarding EMS transportation fees. Captain Darnell and another department staffer explained the ordinance is aimed primarily at non‑residential responses and clarified that, in most cases, the department requests reimbursement from insurers rather than billing individual residents. The officials also discussed coordination with the railroad for incidents on track property and noted that railroad companies typically handle major remediation but the city would secure the scene until the railroad takes over.
The item will return for further consideration after councilmembers have had an opportunity to review the ordinance language and ask additional questions of the fire department.
