Polson Rural Fire Board addresses perceived myths regarding wreck response fee
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(Editor's note: The Polson Rural Fire Board has addressed several "myths" listed below that the group feels is the basis of public discontent regarding the new motor vehicle response fees the department will charge when responding to wrecks.)
It should be noted that the trustees see their responsibility as being to the taxpayers of this District in continuing to provide the best service possible when it comes to preservation of life and property.
Myth 1 — Polson, Mont. is unique in advancing these charges.
Given the information that has been set forth in the media, it would seem to suggest that Polson was the first to initiate this concept. Not only are communities across the state and across the country charging for motor vehicle response, over a dozen communities right here in western Montana are currently charging and some have been doing so for nearly a decade. These include: Kalispell, Evergreen, Bigfork, Smith Valley, Eureka, Ronan, Arlee, Clinton, Hamilton, Corvallis, Thompson Falls, St. Regis and West End. Other nearby communities are looking at charging and expect to implement a policy soon.
Myth 2 — The decision to adopt these charges was done without public awareness.
This concept was first looked at and discussed by the Polson Rural Fire Board in the summer of 2009. It again came to the table in the fall of 2010. Not only was this openly discussed during at least three board meetings, it was also publicized in the monthly agenda which is published in advance of the meetings.
Myth 3 — The amount charged is unreasonable for the service provided.
The amount to be billed is actually less than what many of the surrounding departments charge. In arriving at the amount to be charged, the trustees looked at data from FEMA, cost of equipment, cost of maintenance, fuel costs, insurance costs, and personnel costs (although all are volunteers, there are costs for training, turn-out gear, workers compensation, etc.) In addition, the trustees looked at what neighboring departments have been charging and actually see their rates below many of these and in-line with others.
Myth 4 — The charges are per occurrence, not hourly.
One is for responses of less than an hour, a different charge for those responses that exceed an hour.
Myth 5 — The charges are not covered by automobile insurance policies.
There is much misinformation about this, with many local agents questioning whether the charges are covered or not. A number of companies, when contacted directly, have stated that the charges are covered. Moreover, each of the departments who are charging currently are collecting their charges each month, and many have been doing so for years. Finally, each of the billing companies who bill for these services have stated unequivocally that they are covered and they are being paid.
Myth 6 — These services are paid for in the fire taxes.
The portion of the property tax that goes for fire protection is for just that, fire protection. These services are not fire protection, although many, but not all, departments have chosen to provide them. In addition, in more cases than not, these services are being used by someone from outside the district who pays nothing towards them.
Myth 7 — Polson Rural Fire District has more money than it needs.
As will be discussed at the Jan. 12 meeting, PRFD does not have an excess of funds and, in fact, the budget has remained nearly level for the past three years. At the same time costs have increased. There was a mistake made by the ccounty in assessing the taxes, and as will also be discussed, those funds will be returned to the taxpayers.
Myth 8 — Automobile insurance rates will increase as a result.
The lack of logic behind this statement should be apparent. Regardless of whether Polson charges or not, more and more communities are charging and have charged for some time. This harkens back to the early myth, “it’s not covered.” If it’s not covered, there would be no risk that a person would pay for it in their premium. On the other hand, if it is covered, it is already being provided to take care of all those jurisdictions that do charge.
Who will be billed and why?
PRFD has determined to charge the person to whom the service is rendered. It is not up to PRFD to determine liability but rather up to the insurance companies involved.
What are the alternatives?
As costs continue to increase, there are two alternatives — look at additional funding to cover those costs or cut services. The trustees of the PRFB have determined that this is a viable and equitable way to continue to maintain the high level of service the members of this community have come to expect. Neither the firefighters nor the trustees of the PRFB receive anything additional for this, except the knowledge that someone’s injuries may be reduced or someone’s life may be saved.
