Mixed reaction over service fees
INDIANAPOLIS – A bill prohibiting townships, municipalities and fire departments from collecting emergency response service fees brought mixed testimony during the Senate Local Government committee meeting Wednesday.
Jon Zarich testified on behalf of the Insurance Institute of Indiana and said these bills for emergency services can total $1,000 and higher for services many people think already have been paid through property tax.
“People may not call the fire department if they are going to get billed for it,” said Sen. Allen Paul, R-Richmond.
Paul, sponsor of Senate Bill 145, said his bill would prohibit the billing of services from departments that already receive money from taxpayers. However, volunteer fire departments would be exempt from the bill.
Tom Hanify spoke on behalf of the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana. He stood in opposition of the bill, saying billing practices are not widespread or commonplace.
“[SB 145 is] something we need to address,” Hanify said.
He said more time is needed to look into the issue.
After an hour of hearing testimony on the bill, the committee moved the bill to the full Senate, 8-3.
