Title
Resolution to Approve Fees for Fire Department Lift Assists
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration and approval is a resolution authorizing billing for lift assists. There are two circumstances when a fee would be assessed for a lift assist. This proposal has been modified following a meeting with the Commission on Disability Issues on February 21, 2024. We propose to charge assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and ambulance service providers, that are using the Fire Department for lift assists in the following circumstances:
1. Lift assists, performed for any reason, at an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility will result in the following fee schedule:
• First lift assist - No charge and the owner will be informed of this policy and charged for any subsequent responses to provide a lift assist.
• Second lift assist and subsequent lifts - fee as adopted.
2. Lift assists at any location, which occur to facilitate a scheduled pick-up or drop off of a patient for an appointment by an ambulance provider other than the Ann Arbor Fire Department, will be assessed a fee. Pick-up and drop off will be assessed separately.
• First lift assist - No charge and the ambulance company owner will be informed of this policy and charged for any subsequent responses to provide a lift assist.
• Second lift assist and subsequent lifts - fee as adopted.
When determining cost to serve, Service Units consider expenses such as labor, materials and supplies, equipment, and overhead costs. The fee structure was based upon calculations done with the City of Ann Arbor Finance Department based on cost for service. The actual cost was calculated to $226.89 for a lift assist. Consistent with other City fees, this amount has been rounded to $225.00 for a lift assist.
This fee will be subject to adjustment annually during the annual budget adoption process.
The attached is a revised draft fire department policy that provides additional administrative guidance for lift assist billing.
Body
Whereas, The proposed fees for lift assists are based upon the cost of providing services and market comparative data;
RESOLVED, That the fee for the Fire Department is adopted at the rate of $225.00 for a lift assist. For future fiscal years, these fees will be subject to adjustment as part of the budget adoption process;
RESOLVED, That the proposed fee is effective upon the finalization of billing logistics and the publication of the fee schedule on the City's website; and
RESOLVED, That City Council authorize the City Administrator to take necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
As Amended and Approved by Ann Arbor City Council on March 4, 2024