05/27/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Delay stated that there are areas that the Touche Ross study will not answer, such as level of service, scope of the audit, and the actual cost of the ambulance service. Many issues are not going to go ~ away. He hopes the task force will not be expected to provide answers. ~ This is a crisis time, and there is a responsibility to the operator. He feels the council should respond to Mr. Leonardis needs. Mr. Delay moved to amend the ordinance to delete all increases except the base rate to be increased to $80.00; the motion for the amendment was seconded by Mr. Obie. Ms. Smith noted that between now and the end of the study, some other questions must be addressed. There is a responsibility to the commu- nity. Mr. Henry indicated that many of these questions would not be considered in the RFP, and he does not know what the cost of the study would be with these issues included but that it would be expensive, and that is why it was not done originally. He noted they would explore other means for determining answers. Mr. Delay added that the task force discussed the possibility of a follow-up study for alternative care; and there was not a consensus at that time to do that. Basic information is still needed in order to make a rational decision. At the time the task force was meeting, service delivery was not beinq questioned. Ms. Miller noted that the interim rate adjustment would be subject to review at the completion of the Touche-Ross study. Mr. Haws noted that the burden of proof to justify the rate increase ~ should rest with Mr. Leonard and this has not happened. All he has said is that he wants it, and the rationale seems to be that since he wants it, it should be given to him. The decision should not be based on a lack of evidence since it might be that the rates should be decreased rather than increased. He will vote against the motion and the amendment. Mr. Hamel stated agreement with Mr. Haws and Mr. Lieuallen. Mayor Keller stated he felt the proposal to increase the base rate in the interim period is a qood one. Mayor Keller suggested looking at what has been done in Salem. Mr. Delay stated the council is making a proposal for a $15 increase in the base rate. He said Mr. Leonard has indicated he needs additional cash to continue the service. He does not want to add to the present crisis by not approving the rate increase. Roll call vote on the amendment; motion carried 5:3, with Counci- lors Haws, Lieuallen, and Hamel voting no and Councilors Obie, Delay, Smith, Miller, and Schue voting yes. 5/27/80--14 e