The Henry County Board of Supervisors will consider a proposal that would allow volunteer fire departments to implement a system and bill for certain services at their May 27 meeting. It begins at 3 p.m., with another at 6 p.m., in the Summerlin Room of the Henry County Administration Building.
The billing proposal includes establishing a structured fee schedule for services provided by the volunteer fire departments, according to Public Safety Director Matt Tatum, who raised the issue on behalf of the volunteer fire departments.
The county’s code authorizes the public safety department to charge for services and establish rules and regulations for administering charges. The fire departments have agreed to adopt a compassionate billing policy, meaning they will bill applicable insurance, but will not pursue direct payment from individuals for any remaining balance.
Proposed fees are included in the board documents. A sampling includes Motor Vehicle Incidents, with costs detailed for three levels:
Level 1 – $618, Provide hazardous materials assessment and scene stabilization. This will be the most common “billing level.” This occurs almost every time the fire department responds to an accident/incident.
Level 2 – $705, Includes Level 1 services as well as clean up and material used (sorbents) for hazardous fluid clean up and disposal if the fire department has to clean up any gasoline or other automotive fluids that are spilled as a result of the accident/incident.
Level 3 – Car Fire – $860, Provide scene safety, fire suppression, breathing air, rescue tools, hand tools, hose, tip use, foam, structure protection, and clean up gasoline or other automotive fluids that are spilled as a result of the accident/incident.
Add on services include Extrication – $1,859.00, Creating a Landing Zone – $567.00 and others.
The proposal also includes proposed fees for HAZMAT incidents, fires, illegal fires and water rescue incidents.
The proposed fees are based on national averages, with adjustments for local economic conditions, Tatum wrote.
In other matters, the board will:
*Hold an Overview and Public Review Session of the Draft Henry County Active Transportation Plan Background. In August, the board awarded Berkley Group, LLC, a contract to prepare an Active Transportation Plan. An Active Transportation Plan outlines key projects and policies designed to increase accessibility and support healthier, more environmentally friendly lifestyles. The project was funded through a U.S. Department of Transportation Thriving Communities grant.
Officials from the Berkley Group will attend the meeting to present an overview of the plan, followed by a public review session in room #3 just outside the Summerlin Room. Residents will be able to learn more and provide feedback on the county’s Active Transportation Plan.
*Consider several financial matters, including a categorical transfer for school bus purchases and an additional appropriation for employee bonuses – both requested by the school board; an additional appropriation for capital improvement items and YMCA facility campaign donation; additional appropriation of grant funds for the 911 Center and others.
*Hear regular updates from various departments.
*Consider meeting in closed session to discuss appointees to the Blue Ridge Regional Library Board, Parks and Recreation Board, Community Policy and Management Team, Local Finance Board for OPEB Liability, Patriot Centre/CCBC Advisory Board, Piedmont Regional Community Service Board, and Southside Community Action Board, pending legal matters, acquisition/disposal of real estate and discussion of as-yet unannounced industries.
