BOARD MEETING MINUTES
February 10, 2005
Selectmen Present: Mrs. Silverman, Mr. Clukey, and Mrs. Knight
Mrs. Silverman opened the Public Hearing at 6:30pm.
PRIMARY:
6:30pm PUBLIC HEARING: Mrs. Silverman opened the Public Hearing and read the notice. RSA 31:95C regarding a Special Revenue Fund was explained. Mrs. Silverman stated that this would be a separate fund from the General Fund. We could only expend a specific amount for a specific purpose that was appropriated.
Wendy Carney stated that based on 2004 figures only $1000 year would be generated.
She stated that she is disappointed that no one approached the Fire Department to get facts and figures from them. She feels that the figures that are being used are over rated. Medicare reimbursement dictates the amount they can bill. She stated that Jaffrey started billing six months ago. They previously had an $80,000 budget, they now have $150,000. They have trouble with response of personnel. We will have to pay EMT’s the going rate which is much higher then what they are being paid now.
Nancy Carney stated that Medicare and Medicaid only pay a set amount of $361.00 Nancy listed that following statistics;
2004 - 2200 hours of unpaid training
1500 volunteer time
201 calls
transports
on scene not billable no transports
The cost for these services average $122.00 per call. We are the second largest
department in the State. A lot of dedicated people volunteer their time. If we are going
to charge, we are going to have to pay employees the going rate. Ms. Carney stated
that health insurance companies only pay the ambulance bill if the patient is admitted to
the hospital. Our payroll will go up to $26,000 and we would have to pay for hours
spent training. Fitzwilliam Fire Department, Inc. donated $4000 last year to the Fire Department. Donations will drop. She feels that many people will not call the ambulance if they have to pay.
Mrs. Knight asked for the Budget Committee to comment on this. Mr. Methe stated that the Medicare rate is $287.00, you can bill whatever you want. Other towns are getting $600.00 a run. He feels that the cost of $160.00 a run is incorrect. You have to figure in the cost of the ambulance. Mr. Methe stated that he is putting figures together from other towns. He stated that no one would be denied service. If they cannot pay the bill will be forgiven. Wendy Carney stated that we have to consider department members and how passionate they are about what they do.
Mrs. Knight stated that she feels the intent of this is that cost are going up and this would be a way to defer cost.
Peter Thompson stated that he is concerned that people won’t call the ambulance if they know they have to pay. Volunteers feel good about what they do. Rich Kelly questioned how much revenue would be generated. Mr. Methe stated that based on last year’s runs $85,000 we would probably have to forgive $20,000, less 10% expense for a total of about $40,000.
Jody Mattson stated that some people may not understand when they get a bill that it would be forgiven if they cannot pay this. She stated that she has a problem with running into people in town that they have served who cannot pay the bill. Diana Kelly stated that she is concerned that the Budget Committee spoke with other towns, but did not speak with the Fire Department members who have Fitzwilliam’s facts and figures.
Tim Keefe stated we may be opening up ourselves to lawsuits since we are billing and have volunteers doing the work.
There being no further comment Mrs. Silverman closed the Public Hearing at 7:03 PM
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