Waterloo Fire eyes billing insurance companies for responding to crashes, fires
Fire Chief
He emphasized the program would only target insurers and would not seek to collect from those involved in the incidents when coverage is not available.
"(The proposal) is to bill directly only to insurance," Treloar said. "The end user would not be billed."
While such programs appear to be rare in
Treloar said his department already bills for commercial business fires but writes off any costs the insurance companies decline to pay. It also bills
Some communities utilizing fire recovery fees only focus on motor vehicle accidents and only bill when the motorist at fault is from out of town. The logic is that in-town residents are already paying for the service with their property tax support.
Treloar said
He has proposed a contract with
FRU would receive 20 percent of what it collects. The proposed contract includes the fee levels for various types of responses, including
Fire response would be
The program does not include the department's ambulance service, which has long billed patients for the services rendered.
Council members have not signaled support or opposition to the fees during public work sessions on the issue held in June and again
At least two council members contacted later by the Courier said they felt the program was worth a try.
"I like the common sense approach of billing people for the services incurred," said Councilman
"I believe people understand the need to pay their fair share if they caused an accident and needed fire rescue," he added.
Councilwoman
"I support any outsourcing that can save the city of
No date has been established for the council to vote on the proposal.
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