Strapped Folsom to charge for emergency medical services
By CBS News
The fire department in Folsom will start charging $225 for emergency medical services, reflecting a trend of financially strapped cities taking unusual steps to close burgeoning budget gaps.
The Sacramento County city begins implementing the new policy Monday, according to CBS Sacramento.
“The real issue is how do we provide the essential services the community is seeking from us?” Folsom Fire Chief Ron Phillips said.
Currently Folsom residents are treated by paramedics for free because it is covered by the Fire Department. The fee is an additional cost on top of taxes residents already pay and applies whether or not the patient is actually transported to the hospital.
The new revenue — expected to bring in $250,000 in the next fiscal year — will go toward gas, supplies and paramedic personnel, according to the report.