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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/1989 AGENDA BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, October 9, 1989 12:00 Noon City Manager's Conference Room 1. Convalesant Hospital Bonds (Greg Klimko) 2. Ambulance Rates (John Stinson) 3. Cable TV taps Ordinance (Ed Schulz) 4. Tow Truck Rates (John Stinson) BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 39-89 August 9, 1989 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: AMBULANCE SERVICE AND RATE REVIEW In response to the Council's directive to make recommendations regarding ambulance service and rates, the City's Fire Chief,'Dennis Needham, has met with the Budget and Finance Committee to report the results of several meetings including City and County staff, as well as representatives from both Hall Ambulance Company and Golden Empire Ambulance Company. Chief Needham pointed out that the situation that exists regarding the alleged problems stated by Golden Empire Ambulance Company, with respect to their response area, is complicated and cumbersome to deal with. In studying the overall boundary configuration for both Hall Ambulance Company and Golden Empire Ambulance Company, he and the other staff involved found that the response criteria established by the City Council in December of 1987, of eight minutes or less 90% of the time, was not only being met, but was being surpassed. Ambulance response times by both companies are averaging in the five minute range over 93% of the time. Private ambulance service in othe~ ci~i_es_and ~counties in many cases are not able to perform as well as the~two~local.companies in Bakersfield. BUDGET AND FINA?~CE COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 39-89 August 9, 198~ Page -2- While it appears that the efficiency of the existing response areas could be improved, insufficient data has been.provided to support a change in the response areas. Based on this information, it appears that changing the response boundaries will not significantly enhance ambulance delivery service and response times at this time. The determination of a more efficient and equitable response boundary line configuration will require the retrieval of and analysis of volumes of data and numerous study sessions with staff and ambulance representatives. During the meetings with the Ambulance providers, it became evident that the coilection and analysis Of this information on which to base such.a decision will take several months. Chief Needham further explained that a major component necessary to achieve more efficient ambulance response is the implementation of central dispatching of ambulance service. It was reported that central dispatching would result in a greater level of efficiency, safety, and would provide more complete response data to assess the level and quality of service. Although there have been difficulties in implementing central dispatching due to a lack of commitment and cooperation between providers, it is clearly a priority. With regard to the rate increases requested, the Committee compared the requested rates to those in other cities, as well as considering increases in the cost of living and other costs associated with the BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 39-89 August 9, 1989 Page -3- provision of ambulance services. The Committee also considered the establishment of a new rate category for Advanced Life Support, which would Provide for the transport in ambulances equipped and available to provide paramedic services, but where advanced life support procedures are not performed. The Committee has reviewed these issues and after discussion with the ambulance providers and staff the Committee recommends the following: That the present ambulance, response boundaries remain, and that the analysis required to review a boundary change continue with a report back to the Council in January, 1990; and That the report include a recommendation on ambulance performance measures to be included in the City's Ambulance Ordinance; and That City. staff analyze actual ambulance invoices, invoice practices, and billing by the ambulance services; and A report on the cost and implementation of central ambulance dispatch and tracking be provided to the Council in October of 1989; and That the Council adopt a resolution adopting new ambulance rates, including an increase to $145 for Basic Life Support, a new classification for Advanced Life Support of $200, and an increase to $325 for Advanced Life Support with Paramedic Procedures; and BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 39-89 August 9, 1989 Page -4- That further rate review take place in January of 1990, and annually thereafter. Respectfully submitted, Councilmember Donald K. Ratty, Chair Councilmember Oscar Anthony Councilmember Kevin McDermott .alb RPT.171 - 171C RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD ESTABLISHING AMBULANCE SERVICE CHARGES. WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2886 New Series of the City of Bakersfield requires the City Council to set, by resolution, ambulance service charges from time to time; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered rate increases proposed by the ambulance operators in the City of Bakersfield; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that rate increases are necessary to provide for a reasonable return to the ambulance operators, but not to the extent requested by the ambulance operators; and WHEREAS, it is the intent that these charges be reviewed by the City Council after a period of six months and annually thereafter. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Bakersfield the charges for ambulance services are hereby set as follows: Basic Life Support $145.00 Advanced Life Support 200.00 Advanced Life Support w/ALS Procedures 325.00 Mileage (per mile) 7.00 Night Charge 31.00 Emergency Response 27.00 Oxygen (per cylinder) 21.00 Waiting Time (per hour) 56.00 The above rates are all-inclusive rates and additional service charges shall not be added thereto. o0o I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular , by the meeting thereof held on following vote: Council of the City of Bakersfield APPROVED - CLARENCE E. MEDDERS MAYOR of the City of Bakersfield APPROVED as to form: ---~THUR J- SAALFIELD CITY ATTORNEY of the City of Bakersfield ADD/lg 8/2/89 R RES 5 AMBULANCE1-2 -- 2 --