Council OKs Paramedic Fee Increase, Orders Study

The San Diego City Council voted Monday to authorize a $65 increase in the fee charged by Hartson Medical Services for paramedic calls but asked for an evaluation of the company’s performance. The council also asked for a study to determine if emergency medical calls should be handled by the Fire Department.

Council members acted on a motion by Councilman Ron Roberts, who asked the city manager to do a 60-day evaluation of the ambulance company and to report back to the Public Services and Safety Committee.

The $65 increase is contingent on Hartson agreeing to use the extra funds for paramedic and emergency medical technicians’ salaries, not for operating costs.

After the meeting, Hartson officials questioned the motion to consider transferring paramedic services to the Fire Department. They said state law mandates that cities put such services out for bids.

It was unclear Monday what effect the council’s action would have on the recent labor agreement between Hartson and the Service Employees International Union, Local 102. The union negotiated the San Diego paramedics’ first contract ever, and both sides hoped that the council would support a $109 fee increase, agreed to after 10 months of bargaining.

Instead, the city manager’s office recommended an increase of only $65, for a maximum bill of $347, and against further modifications of the city contract with Hartson. However, the evaluation of the company will include recommendations for possible modifications of the pact.

After the labor talks, Glen Roberts, Hartson chief executive officer, had asked the city for a two-year extension of the contract, which expires in June 1990, and operating subsidies that would grow from $1.2 million in 1991 to $3.7 million in 1993. The company had also asked to increase by 177% the cost of emergency supplies paid for by patients.

However, the city manager rejected those requests as well as the request for the $109 increase in ambulance fees, opting for the $65 increase.

Glen Roberts said the increases were necessary to complete the contract negotiated with Local 102. Councilman Bruce Henderson opposed any increase, saying he “didn’t see any evidence that Hartson can’t absorb this (paramedic pay increase) cost.”

“We’re presently losing a substantial amount of money and will be losing a substantial amount of money after the $65 increase,” Glen Roberts told the council.

Henderson then asked Roberts why Hartson sought to extend the contract if it is losing money on the deal.

“We want to continue with some

modifications,” Glen Roberts said.

On Monday, it appeared that most council members oppose further contract modifications.

The council rejected a proposal by Councilman Bob Filner to study the labor agreement to see what role the council might play in making the contract final.

After reviewing the evaluation of Hartson and study of paramedic services, the council will act on any proposed Hartson contract modifications and on the proposal to use firefighters for paramedic services.

O’Connor argued in favor of using firefighters to attain “long-term stability” in paramedic services.