The Plymouth Common Council heard the first reading Monday evening of an ordinance that would implement fees for non-emergency responses and lift assistance at residential care facilities.
While the City of Plymouth maintains fire, paramedic, and emergency response personnel for emergencies within city limits and in Center and West Townships, officials say non-emergency calls to residential care facilities that charge fees to residents represent an unwarranted drain on city resources and can delay response to true emergencies.
According to the ordinance, "Non-emergency responses and lift assists are regularly being provided by the city's emergency responders at residential care facilities for multiple residents, and city residents should not bear those costs." The ordinance aims to shift these costs from taxpayers to the facilities benefiting from the services.
Under the proposed ordinance, the fire chief or designee is authorized to bill care facilities for each incident. The first, second, and third incidents per calendar year would be $500 per non-emergency response or lift assist, while the fourth and subsequent incidents per calendar year would be $1,000 per incident. The fire chief has the authority to waive fees after reviewing individual incidents. An appeal process is also included in the ordinance.
The city council will consider second and third readings of the ordinance at their meeting on Monday, January 26th. If approved, the fee will take effect on February 1st.
Knox County to host public meeting on solar projects
Red Hill Unit #10 hires new principal and adopts new student technology policy
Ameren announces proposed electric rate changes
Early childhood education programs earn highest rating
Illinois state sales tax reduction for school supplies to begin for parents
Illinois State Police opens another kiosk to help with FOID and concealed carry applications
Local man killed in a two vehicle accident
Celebrate 217 Concert Week with $26 grandstand tickets
New Office of Cybersecurity established in Indiana
FRESH begins across Illinois
Kratos completes $50 million state-of-the-art hypersonic systems payload integration facility in Indiana
FSSA to text HIP members about HIP work requirements
Lawrence County woman to be inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame
Lawrenceville conducting walking and biking survey
Strong storms batter Lawrence County
