Calls to fire dept. may cost extra

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Taxpayers in West Warwick may soon have to pay a fee each time they call the fire department for emergencies.

The town council is considering the fire fee ordinance as a way to raise revenue.

Residents could be charged up to $300 per call.

Town Councilor Ed Giroux, who sponsored the ordinance, says it's the perfect way to balance the budget.

"The intent of the bill is basically to enhance the revenue and have minimum impact on the taxpayer," Giroux said, "and that's what this does."

Giroux says the plan would raise nearly $100,000 per year for the town.

He says citizens right now are charged a few hundred dollars when they need emergency medical services.

The new ordinance states it would expand the bill to when crews are sent to car accidents.

Residents like Chris Baker don't like the idea of having to pay for help.

"I think it's wrong," Baker said. "I think we pay enough for medical costs between insurance and everything else."

Giroux says almost all of the income from the ordinance would out of the pockets of health insurance companies, claiming the costs would be covered.

Chris Baker was skeptical about those claims.

"I mean i have to pay for any kind of blood work, I have to have done just for well visits so i don't know," Baker said. "I just don't see health insurance willing to pick up that extra tab in my opinion."

Giroux said the town would not aggressively try to recoup any remaining balances from taxpayers who are uninsured.

The councilor says the move would keep the town from raising taxes, and all the money raised would go to the fire department.

Giroux says the fee would be charged for responses to things like house fires, flood pumping and false alarms, but the West Warwick fire chief said it would only apply in extraordinary circumstances.

The town council is expected to discuss the ordinance again at its February 21st meeting.