BUENA PARK : Paramedics Won’t Be Free Any Longer

Residents now must pay for paramedic services under a new program approved this week by the City Council.

The Paramedic Subscription Program allows residents and business owners to choose whether they want to pay a yearly rate of $36. The fee may be in bimonthly installments of $6 and covers all members of a household and up to 10 employees per business.

Those who choose not to participate will be billed for any use of paramedic services, ranging from $125 to $250 for a call.

Provisions are made to reduce the rate for the elderly or poor.

Ron Burch, a retired fireman, was the only resident to speak in opposition to the fee.

“I think it is a hidden tax,” Burch told the council Monday night. “I think it is just wrong.”

Councilman Kenneth B. Jones agreed with Burch, but said: “We have to do this whether we want to or not.”

The program is aimed at offsetting the cost of providing emergency services and at bolstering the city’s ailing budget. Paramedic services cost the city more than $1.1 million last year, Fire Marshal Don Tully said.

Last year, the city had an operating deficit of $1 million, which officials took from the reserve fund.

Officials estimate that the paramedic fee program will recoup as much as 50% of the loss, or $500,000. At least 30% of the population is expected to participate, Tully said.