Anaheim : Citizens Call to Question Paramedic-Service Fee

A $24 paramedic-service fee on Anaheim utility bills has led to a flood of phone calls from residents who are often irate and confused, city officials said.

Up to 250 people a day have called Anaheim officials to ask about the extra $24 fee, which is geared to partially subsidize paramedic services in the city. The one-time annual charge was approved by the city in May and began appearing on bills last month.

“We have been inundated with calls. Most say they don’t want it, they don’t understand the bill and what are we trying to do to them,” said Jill Skinner, Anaheim Fire Department secretary.

The $24 fee was automatically tacked on to utility bills as part of the total sum, Assistant Fire Chief Ron Evans said. Those who do not want to subscribe to the service need to check off a “no” on their bill and deduct the $24.

Many people, however, neither paid close attention to their bills nor read the information enclosed--only to later realize that they subscribed to the service, Evans said. As a result, the Fire Department has had numerous money-back requests, which the department is honoring, he said.

On a quiet day, Evans said, the department will receive about 15 calls regarding the fee. During billing periods, however, that number increases to about 250 per day, he added. Overall, however, the program is “going very well,” said Evans, who did not have final figures on how many homes and businesses have subscribed to the service.

By the end of the billing period--early next January--officials expect between 50 and 60% of the city’s residents to participate in the program, Evans said.

The annual $24 fee is expected to generate $750,000 to help offset the $2.7-million cost of the city’s emergency system, Evans said. Non-subscribers and visitors to the city pay between $75 and $150 per paramedic visit.

Anaheim has already granted about 600 exemptions, mostly to those on the MediCal insurance program, Social Security disability or those who can prove financial hardship, Evans said.