HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-01-1999 - 8ir~
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ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 1, 1999
Action Agenda
Item No. g__~ ,
SUBJECT: Franchise Renewal -Johnston Ambulance Services, Inc
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
5/13/99 Letter from Johnston Ambulance Nick Waters, ext 3030
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider renewing the franchise with Johnston Ambulance Service, Inc. for
their provision of Convalescent and Basic Life Support Transport Services in Orange County;
and to consider a request for an increase of $25 in their basic service rate.
BACKGROUND: In accordance with the County's emergency service franchise ordinance,
Johnston Ambulance Service was franchised in May of 1994 to provide convalescent services
within Orange County. At the time these services were being provided by Orange County
Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Under their franchise, Johnston provides service directly
at the request of individual citizens and bills and collects directly from their customers.
Johnston Ambulance has provided very satisfactory service with no major incidents or
complaints. Johnston provided 2500 trips this past year.
Johnston Ambulance is also requesting a rate increase for the service provided. Under the
County's franchise ordinance, the Board of Commissioners must approve any change in the
franchisee's rate schedule. Since inception of service, Johnston has requested and received
approval for one rate increase, in January 1998.
The increase comparison is:
Categories Current charges Requested
charges
Base Rate $125.00 $150.00
Mileage, per loaded mile 3.50 4.00
Oxygen 15.00 25.00
Wait-time (after 30 minutes) 35.00 40.00
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The requested increase in rates is comparable to those charged by private providers in the
immediate surrounding area. Those rates range from $160 to $175, with additional charges for
supplies, mileage, and waiting time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact on the County, as the County does not
provide any subsidy or commit staff time to Johnston Ambulance.
RECOMMENDATION(Sj: The Manager recommends that the Board approve the franchise
renewal and the requested rate increase for Johnston Ambulance Service, Inc.
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Johnston Ambulance Service, Inc.
24-Hour Service
P.U. Box 283 -5r)tna, NC 27576
(919) 965-2249 - Se1ms
(J19) 839-1125 - R:+leigh
May 13, 1999
Nick Waters
Director
Orange County Emergency Management
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Subject: Ambulance franchise renewal
Dear Mr. Waters:
(919) 736-273$ - C'roidsb0t0
(2,52) 237.5976 -Wilson
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This is in reference to our meeting yesterday with you and Mr. McKenzie.
Our company does request renewal of our ambulance franchise to provide
convalescent and basic life support transport services in Orange County. We also
request consideration of using our service for special events and as a backup for EMS
at times wher- we may be needed due to EMS extraordinary workload.
Due to increased costs for vehicles, medical supplies, employee benefits, workers
compensation and general insurance it is necessary for us to n~uest a rate increase.
Our last and only other rate increase was in January, 1898.Our current rates are
5125.00 base plus 33.5t? per loaded mile, oxysen 515.00 per trip when used, waiting
time at 535.00 per hour. Our new rate request is:
Base = 5150.00
Mileage =54.00 per loaded mile.
Oxygen = 525.00 per trip when used.
Waiting time =340.00 per hour after the firs# 30 minutes when applicable.
We are increasing our rates at least to this level in aft the counties we serve.
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Nick Waters
May 13, 1 S99
Our firm has been franchised in Orange County since May, 1994. We appreciate this
opportunity and wish to continue providing quality ambulance care to the atizens of the
County. We appreciate your consideration of our request for renewal of our franchise.
Sincerely,
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Leon W. Cannady, Jr.
Vice President