96 replies to this topic

[Robert Gary]

I just got my crash tax bill from the Folsom Fire department as a result of my son's car accident last month. The bill really doesn't say anything on it, just pay $1751. My son's friend who was in the car with him at the accident said he also got the same bill for the same amount; again, nothing detailed. So do they just charge a flat fee for responding to the accident and then split it between those in the accident? I don't understand how they arrived at the number they did.
I know now that if I'm ever in an accident, and no one is hurt, I'm going to recommend we drive over to Starbucks to exchange information before the fire department shows up and starts handing out bills.

-Robert

[mac_convert]

Don't pay the bill. I think it is absurd, if you're a resident in Folsom, to pay this because our taxes are part of what is supposed to fund public service.

I just got my crash tax bill from the Folsom Fire department as a result of my son's car accident last month. The bill really doesn't say anything on it, just pay $1751. My son's friend who was in the car with him at the accident said he also got the same bill for the same amount; again, nothing detailed. So do they just charge a flat fee for responding to the accident and then split it between those in the accident? I don't understand how they arrived at the number they did.
I know now that if I'm ever in an accident, and no one is hurt, I'm going to recommend we drive over to Starbucks to exchange information before the fire department shows up and starts handing out bills.

-Robert

[The Average Joe]

No doubt. It IS absurd to pay a fee for use when taxes are ALREADY collected for those services. We are paying for that equipment and those salaries whether they sit in the station, or are dispatched.
Bad idea, bad form and boo to the city of Folsom.

[FolsomEJ]

I just got my crash tax bill from the Folsom Fire department as a result of my son's car accident last month. The bill really doesn't say anything on it, just pay $1751. My son's friend who was in the car with him at the accident said he also got the same bill for the same amount; again, nothing detailed. So do they just charge a flat fee for responding to the accident and then split it between those in the accident? I don't understand how they arrived at the number they did.
I know now that if I'm ever in an accident, and no one is hurt, I'm going to recommend we drive over to Starbucks to exchange information before the fire department shows up and starts handing out bills.

-Robert

Did either or both of them get transported by the Fire Department ambulance to the hospital?

[Lindke]

Robert,

I agree. Do not pay the bill. First get a break down of the bill with all the details. I am going to call City Hall and get the details about this City of Folsom policy.

[FolsomEJ]

I suspect it is an ambulance charge. Be glad that Folsom was able to respond - I've heard rumor that if they were otherwise busy and an alternative location (like El Dorado) had responded that it would be ~$5K...

[tsukiji]

I don't understand. Whenever Fire/Police respond to a call, we need to pay for services rendered?

How is the schedule of fees determined? Is it subject to review like PUC?

This doesn't make sense to me. If we get burglarized and the police come out, not only did I lose property but I need to pay the cops as well? How about a fire? Cat in a tree?

This is madness.

[The Average Joe]

It is double madness in that those fireman's salaries are ALREADY being paid. They cost the same whether they are dispatched or shopping for groceries. Just another bogus money grab. It is not a fee based service.

Makes no sense to penalize the "victim."

Also, if you did not request an ambulance, but one was dispatched anyway, and then you were billed for it...I would say that is a pretty slippery slope.

Had an incident at a theme park a while back. My daughter complained of neck stiffness after riding a coaster. Went to first aid and they were very nice, but insisted on an ambulance (we did not think it necessary). I understand their attempt to eliminate lawsuit abuse, but we were billed for the ride, and it took a long time to straighten out. In the end, the park took care of it, so it was handled appropriately I guess.

Still, it bothers me that municipalities charge for services that are already paid for... What is next, cops charging you a fee to arrest criminals?

[FolsomEJ]

It is double madness in that those fireman's salaries are ALREADY being paid. They cost the same whether they are dispatched or shopping for groceries. Just another bogus money grab. It is not a fee based service.

Makes no sense to penalize the "victim."

Please don't shoot the messenger

It is a fee based service. Google "folsom ambulance charge" and you will find that it is and has been a fee based service, not just in Folsom, but county-wide. We are part of a network, and we borrow and provide outside services when there is demand. The council sets the recovery rates. I spent about an hour (because I was interested) reading all about this since it was brought up. Interesting stuff.

I can understand how there would be sticker shock and a bit of anger. However, it is not arbitrary or punitive. Folsom rates are the cheapest.

[Robert Gary]

So it sounds like its a per-person fee. So if one parametric truck comes out with 2 crew members and treats 4 people like in this case they can bill 4 times? I'm not sure if that seems fair. I've been paying property taxes, sales taxes, etc in this town for more than 10 years and never realized that I wasn't funding our fire department.

[old soldier]

looks like folks should look a little harder where they are going to have their accident

[asbestoshills]

If the City of Folsom hires subcontractors for whatever reason, that's their business, but we SHOULDN'T pay for it. How sick is this, now you can go bankrupt just gettng to the hospital? Oh, please! If we are this poor as a community, I wanna move to a country that doesn't embarrass my well being. So, now if I'm in an accident I get the pleasure of a substandard ambulance ride (who knows if who they hire follow the same standards since they are contracted out; another way to get rid of liability if you die on the way to the hospital b/c of them) and a hefty padded bill. Call me a taxi and I'll pay for the blood to be shampooed out. I'll probably get their faster and perhaps taxi drivers can start getting trained on CPR and keep some bandages and heart resuscitation devices in their trunk.

[Robert Gary]

If the City of Folsom hires subcontractors for whatever reason, that's their business, but we SHOULDN'T pay for it.

These guys were wearing turnout coats that said "Folsom Fire" as did the side of the truck they showed up in.

-Robert

[Carl G]

Sounds like this crash tax is just a way to subsidize a floundering budget with money from insurance companies.

[Redone]

These guys were wearing turnout coats that said "Folsom Fire" as did the side of the truck they showed up in.

-Robert

Folsom Fire provides ambulances for the city of Folsom.

They have been billing for this (for sure) since September 1992 and possibly prior .
This is nothing new.

You can send it your insurance, pay it yourself, or possibly just ignore it.

Sounds like this crash tax is just a way to subsidize a floundering budget with money from insurance companies.

Hmmm, no. They're collecting the same or less as private company would.