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McKinney considering ways to share cost of emergency response
By Andrew Snyder, asnyder@acnpapers.com
Visitors causing a car accident in McKinney could soon face new charges for any needed police, fire or medical response. If approved by the McKinney City Council, these fees would include a $110 charge for police response to an injury-free accident where a non resident is deemed at fault.
This “cost recovery fee” rises to $215 with an injury.
“The theory is, basically, they aren’t paying any taxes to the City of McKinney for the services they’re receiving from both the police and fire department, especially when they’re involved in accidents,” said McKinney Police Chief Doug Kowalski in a briefing before city council on Tuesday. He later added that there is interest around the area for such measures, including from the North Texas Police Chiefs Association.
Fire response would also carry a charge if a related ordinance change is approved. A non-injury accident would carry the same cost for response as the police, but injury accidents could stack up a list of fees. A fire engine, for example, would cost $378 per hour and each firefighter present an additional $19 per hour with a half-hour minimum. A ladder truck or aerial support would carry a $498 price tag per hour and a battalion chief would cost $65 per hour if the fee for the chief and their vehicle is combined.
Identical charges would also be added for hazardous material incidents, as would fees for fireworks displays ($800 for a permit and response) and a rise in the cost of fire permits from four to five cents per square foot.
Fire chief Mark Wallace also proposed another ordinance revision that would increase the cost of emergency medical services (EMS) for both McKinney residents and visitors. If approved, the adjustments would include new fees for basic and advanced life support. Residents would pay $550 for basic support and $650 or $750 for emergency support depending on severity. Non-residents would be charged $625 for basic support and $725 or $825 for advanced support.
If Medicare or Medicaid paid an amount less than what the city asked for, though, it would be accepted.
The last time the department changed its EMS rates was in 2007, and the proposed changes were recommended by Emergicon, the fire department's third-party billing service, which estimates they would raise an additional $300,000 per year. Wallace said that there are a number of emergency calls where a person receives some form of life support and decides not to be transported to the hospital, and the new fee would cover that cost.
Any money brought in through cost recovery would be added to the police and fire budgets.
Council member Travis Ussery expressed concern that the police response fee would have a negative impact on the number of people who come to the city, especially those that come to shop, if it was used for minor accidents.
“I don’t want to run off someone who’s spending money here,” he said.
Kowalski responded that at a minor accident police response is often limited to showing up and handing out state forms for the drivers to fill out. No charge would be applied in such situations.
Council is scheduled to vote on the police, fire and EMS proposals in two weeks.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
HardinBB wrote on Jan 28, 2011 11:06 AM:
" Why is it that the first thought or action on getting relief/reducing costs/fees/ etc is always let the citizens or taxpayers pick-up more? Has anyone thought through the administrative aspects number of people needed to bill and collect for such services. And whats the guess on how many of those fees will not be paid ? Times are tough all over, we get that, but typical working people will now have to add an additional decision point on when to call police/fire can I afford to call them ?? And what about tying up the courts with hearings over those that get burdened with payment (out of fault for the accident or whatever) but feel they were improperly tagged. come on now ! Sounds a lot like someone read a book bad ideas written by Arnold Schwarzeneggers !! "
d2237 wrote on Jan 28, 2011 12:35 PM:
" Well, I will no longer shop in Mckinney if this passes. take my business to Allen, frisco or plano "
pdguru wrote on Jan 28, 2011 8:06 PM:
" This is an absolute disgrace. Well put, Hardin BB regarding the costs of such a system: We already employ too many city clerks in that extravagant monstrocity of a city hall, including dozens of cops, skulking our streets like uniformed bandits waggling their little radars to add to the coffers of taxes that are already up there with the highest in the nation, let alone the state.
But regardless of that, the principle of charging people for help in an emergency, and even more when their need is greater, is frankly, appalling. And when the first person dies becuase they cannot afford to call for help, I want every city employee up on manslaughter charges.
I am ashamed to be a McKinney resident. Shame on our so-called Christian "community". Shame on us all. "
But regardless of that, the principle of charging people for help in an emergency, and even more when their need is greater, is frankly, appalling. And when the first person dies becuase they cannot afford to call for help, I want every city employee up on manslaughter charges.
I am ashamed to be a McKinney resident. Shame on our so-called Christian "community". Shame on us all. "
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