Chapter 2.72
Ambulance and Emergency Medical Service1
Sections:
2.72.010 Division established.
2.72.020 Account created--Funding and fees.
2.72.050 Expendable materials charges.
2.72.060 Ambulance equipment fund.
2.72.010 Division established.
There is authorized and established an ambulance and emergency medical service division. This division shall operate under and operate pursuant to the directions of the chief of the Montesano fire department. The division shall meet such standards in relation to manning, equipment and other areas of operation as are established by applicable law, rule, or regulation as authorized by action of the city council. (Ord. 1571 §1, 2013: Ord. 990 §2, 1976).
2.72.020 Account created--Funding and fees.
There is created in the general fund of the city of Montesano a special account to be known as the "Emergency Ambulance Service Account." The account shall be a nonlapsing account, and shall be the depository for all funds derived from any source for the operation of the ambulance service program established by the city of Montesano. These sources shall include, but not be limited to, the tax which may be established pursuant to the authority of Ch. 24, Laws of 1975, 1st Ex. Sess., any special levy approved by the voters, the sale of any interest-bearing warrants, any other levies which may be made for this purpose, any and all fees received as a result of provision of service, any and all gifts or bequests so designated, and any federal or state grants. The moneys shall be placed in this fund to provide for the planning, equipping, operating and administering of the ambulance service program by the city of Montesano, and shall be used solely for purposes relating to this program. (Ord. 991 §1, 1976).
2.72.030 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter and all other purposes in relation to the provision of and charging for emergency medical service, including ambulance service as is established by the city of Montesano under the ordinances codified in this chapter and any other ordinance, provision of the municipal code, or resolution, terms shall have such meaning as may be provided therein or within this section:
"Ambulance service" means any time an ambulance operated by the city of Montesano responds to a request for service, whether it is:
(1) Of an emergency nature;
(2) Pursuant to a scheduled request for a transfer; or
(3) Of some other nature.
"Equivalent dwelling unit (EDU)" means a measure where one unit is equivalent to the occupancy rate of an average single-family home within the city. The figure representing an EDU is determined by taking the average of the number of occupancies within the city and dividing that number by the total population of the city, as determined by the most recent population figure issued by the Office of Financial Management, state of Washington.
"Excise tax," "fee," or "charge" means a fee, utility service charge, excise tax or charge which has been or may be imposed within this code or any resolution adopted pursuant to authority granted under this code pursuant to the provisions of RCW 35.21.766, RCW 35.21.768, or any other applicable authority.
"Population count," when utilized in relation to a governmental correctional facility, means the average daily usage of the facility as established for the prior calendar year. In calculating such determination, if an individual is held in custody for such a period as to trigger the ability of the governmental entity to charge a daily custodial charge to any municipality contracting for correctional services with that entity. In carrying forth this calculation, all individuals held in custody shall be included, whether under federal, state, county, tribal, or city charges, serving a sentence pursuant to judgment of any court, or any order of any court. (Ord. 1491 §1, 2005: Ord. 1465 §1, 2003: Ord. 1464 §1, 2003: Ord. 997 §1, 1976).
2.72.040 Rates.
The rates to be charged for the provision of services by the emergency medical services (ambulance) of the city of Montesano shall be established from time-to-time by written resolution of the city council. (Ord. 1225 §2, 1985).
2.72.050 Expendable materials charges.
(a) In addition to any charge which may be imposed pursuant to Section 2.72.040, any individual who receives treatment by or utilizes the service of the ambulance service of the city shall pay such sum as may be established by the ambulance service for the various items of expendable advanced life support equipment or supplies as may be utilized by the staff of the ambulance service in the provision of the service to the individual. By way of representation but not by way of limitation, such charges shall be made for any and all pharmaceutical or drug items utilized, intravenous needles, and syringes.
(b) The cost to be charged to the individual shall be such costs as may be established by the chief of the Montesano fire department taking into consideration such factors as may be relevant, including but not limited to, the cost of such items to the city, the amount of such required medicine which must be discarded due to its non-use during the recommended usage life, and cost of proper storage and inventory control. (Ord. 1459 §1, 2003; Ord. 1154 §1, 1981)
2.72.060 Ambulance equipment fund.
(a) There shall be created and maintained within the accounting system of the city of Montesano a fund to be known as the "ambulance equipment fund." That fund shall have deposited into it the following moneys:
(1) Such moneys as shall from time-to-time be designated by action of the city council to be received from the household excise tax collected pursuant to the provisions of this section.
(2) Such other moneys as may be from time-to-time received and designated for deposit in said fund, whether by action of the city council or in the event of gifts, grants, or otherwise, by action of other entities.
(b) The fund shall be utilized to maintain or to obtain equipment for the emergency medical services of the city, with the primary emphasis being upon acquisition of ambulances and emergency aid vehicles and equipment utilized in relation thereto. (Ord. 1225 §3, 1985).
Further provisions relating to ambulance service--See Chapters 2.76 and 4.24.