Hobart officials are exploring ways — including fees — to deter repeated calls to the fire department for non-emergency assistance without hurting the indigent elderly who rely on the help.
“Some people call for help several times a day,” Councilman Josh Huddlestun, D-2nd, said.
Councilman Dave Vinzant, D-4th, said the department doesn’t bill for these calls which take firefighters away from possible emergencies and require the use of expensive equipment.
“I’m not interested in covering our costs. I’m interested in not taking these calls. They should have contracted a caregiver,” Vinzant said of the callers.
Some of the calls are for help in getting up or getting around the house.
Fire Chief Randal Smith said staff’s consensus was to allow four free calls in a 30-day period. The calls burden the department, he said, while acknowledging that some people have no money and no nearby relatives.
“Predominantly, we’re the last resort,” Smith said.
Vinzant said the city could waive a fee if the caller is indigent.
No decision was made on possible billing during the council’s ordinance committee meeting Aug. 21.
On another matter, the council will continue working with staff on ways to deal with residents who illegally discharge their sump pump into the city’s sewers. Robert Fulton, sanitary/stormwater board president, said in some months, sump pumps and perimeter tiles are costing the city an extra $40,000 to $50,000.
Vinzant suggested charging every household a fee unless a resident lets a city worker into their house to prove that they are not in violation.
But Councilman Matt Claussen said that could violate a person’s rights.
“You can’t just knock on someone’s door and be let in,” Claussen said.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
