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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 22 2012 Minutes of Work Session on Revenue RecoveryI A Work Session of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors and the Frederick County Finance Committee was held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at 5:00 P.M., in the Board of Supervisors' Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. PRESENT Chairman Richard C. Shickle; Vice - Chairman Bill M. Ewing; Christopher E. Collins; Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.; Gene E. Fisher; Gary A. Lofton; and Ross P. Spicer. OTHERS PRESENT John R. Riley, Jr., County Administrator; Kris C. Tierney, Assistant County Administrator; Jay E. Tibbs, Deputy County Administrator; Fire Chief Dennis Linaburg; Commissioner of the Revenue Ellen Murphy; Treasurer C. William Orndoff, Jr.; County Attorney Rod Williams and Revenue Recovery Working Group members: Chester Lauck, Tim Price, Bob Hall, Perry Silva, and Don Jackson. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Shickle called the work session to order. He then turned the presentation over to Mr. Lauck. Mr. Lauck thanked the Board for agreeing to the meeting and stated the working group was looking for direction regarding revenue recovery. He then introduced the members of the working group who were present. Mr. Hall reviewed the PowerPoint presentation regarding the proposed revenue recovery program. Under the proposed program: - Soft billing would be utilized, so there would be no out of pocket expense for Frederick County residents. - Funds received should be dedicated to the Fire and EMS system. - There should be no effect on annual County contributions. - The County would hire a program administrator to run the program. There would be some upfront costs associated with the position. - The benefits to the career staff included 1 administrative position and 6.3 new firefighter /EMS positions. The public benefits of implementation of this program included: - Revenue to offset a $0.02 tax increase. - Better emergency response to incidents. - No out of pocket costs. Minute Book Number 37 Board of Supervisors work Session on Revenue Recovery on 02/22112 IM9 Mr. Hall then reviewed the spreadsheet illustrating possible revenue collections and distribution. He noted the numbers were based on 2010 call volume. The established fees would be: - $400 for basic life support; $450 for advanced life support 1; and - $600 for advanced life support 2. - Mileage was set at $9 /mile. The estimated collection rate was 70 %. Mr. Hall noted the program was modeled after the city's program. The proposed revenue distribution would be: - 7% to the billing company; - 25% to pay for the program administrator and career staff; - 65% to the volunteer companies, and - 3% for EMS supplies. Mr. Hall advised that 25% of the volunteer companies' portion would be divided among all of the participating companies. Administrator Riley asked about "piggybacking" with the city regarding billing. Mr. Hall responded the group did not feel they had the authority to do that; however, it was something they considered. He went on to say the group had talked about utilizing the same vendor. Supervisor Spicer noted the priority message to the public should be that this program would not delay or change the standard of care patients receive. Supervisor Lofton asked if the Fire & Rescue Association had the capability to do this program without the County's assistance. Tim Price, President of the Fire & Rescue Association, responded no. He went on to say that legally they could, but practically they could not. Mr. Jackson stated it was paramount to the companies that county residents do not get charged if they do not have insurance. Chairman Shickle asked about the working group and the Public Safety Committee putting together a final draft of how this program would look. He went on to say the Fire & Rescue Association should weigh in too. Minute Book Number 37 Board of Supervisors Work Session on Revenue Recovery on 02/22/12 Mr. Lauck stated that he thought the fact the working group and the Board were here spoke volumes. Administrator Riley asked if there was a cost for the ALS chase unit included in the fee. Mr. Hall responded no, only the transports receive the fee. Supervisor Lofton stated this program did not address manpower needs. He asked what the collected revenue would offset. Mr. Hall responded it would keep the volunteer stations open. Chairman Shickle stated he wanted to move this item forward because he wanted to look at the bigger concept. He felt the Public Safety Committee could answer a lot of the questions. Mr. Price advised the working group did not expect to leave tonight with the program implemented. He went on to say the group would take as long as needed to get the job done right. Chairman Shickle polled the Board to see if there was interest in moving the discussions forward. The board members' unanimous consensus was to move the discussion of revenue recovery forward. Mr. Price thanked the Board on behalf of the Fire & Rescue Association. Chairman Shickle thanked the working group for its work on this item. There being no further business, the work session was adjourned at 6:00 P.M. Richard C. Shickle Chairman, Board of Supervisors Jo". '1 ' - Jr - Clerk, Board of Supervisors Minutes Prepared By: �� 7 - Jay E. 1'ib s Deputy Clerk, Board of Supervisors Minute Book Number 37 Board of Supervisors work Session on Revenue Recovery on 02/22/12