Sunset VFD user fee is tabled for review

Action on a resolution that would allow fire departments of Montague County to initiate user fees for the delivery of fire and rescue services at accidents and other highway incidents was tabled Monday pending review by the county attorney.

Mike Furrow, president of the Sunset VFD, presented the resolution explaining Sunset uses Fire Recovery USA to attempt to recoup some of the expenses resulting from its first response efforts at vehicle accidents. He added several other VFDs in the county use a similar practice, however, some of the larger auto insurance carriers have started refusing payment saying the fire department is not authorized to receive this payment because it is not part of an Emergency Services District.

“We may look at an ESD in the future, but this resolution would give us the option, not the obligation to bill. Most auto insurance policies have clauses to cover these fees, they are looking for a loophole not to pay,” said Furrow.

County Attorney Ron Walker had sent a message to the court Friday he was unsure if first responders are allowed to assess a fee and he has not had an opportunity to research it further.
By Barbara Green, Bowie News in The Wichita Falls Times Record News