GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY -- Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department is considering a cost recovery ordiance, which means they will charge for their services.
Chief Pat Parker says this move is needed, after township officials recently denied the departments request for a mileage increase. He also says by charging for its emergency services, the department can finally start to rebound after getting hit with $250,000 dollars in budget cuts this year.
The department would charge anywhere from $150 to $750 dollars depending on the type of service call -- and bills would be sent right to insurance companies.
Grand Traverse Metro Fire Cheif Pat Parker says, "this is an idea thats been floating around for five years now, it's gaining some popularity because of budgets being cut. All of our surrounding areas are doing it, so were taking a look at it, We think it could bring in maybe $20,000 dollars."
Fire and accident victims who don't have insurance would not be charged. Metro's fire board will meet on October 25th -- to make a final decision on the service call ordinance.
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