Panel Endorses Fee Vote

Special Election Could Happen To Decide On Ambulance Costs

BENTONVILLE — Benton County officials endorsed a request Tuesday for a special election to raise the ambulance fees charged by the Northeast Benton County Fire Department from $40 to $100 annually.

The Quorum Court’s Legislative Committee unanimously approved moving the question on to the Quorum Court at its April 25 meeting. County Attorney George Spence said state law requires the fee increase be approved on or before Aug. 1, 2013, in order for the district to collect it in 2013.

The NEBCO board asked the special election be held July 9, according to Kara Funk, board chairman. Spence said election laws require 60 days notice of special elections, meaning the Quorum Court needs to approve the election by May 9. Barring a special meeting, Spence said, the April 25 meeting is the only opportunity for the Quorum Court to consider the request.

The department operates an ambulance service in the northeastern corner of Benton County. Originally established as the Volunteer Ambulance Service, or VAS, in the 1980s, the ambulance service and fire department merged in 2011, Spence said. The service has operated by charging a fee to households in its service area, beginning with a $15 annual fee which was increased to $40 in an election in 2007. According to Tena O’Brien, county clerk, the increase passed with 192 in favor and 161 against.

Funk said the $40 fee has been inadequate for some time and the community has supplemented that revenue by a variety of fundraising activities. Fire Chief Rob Taylor said the increase will generate about $204,000 in revenue over the $156,000 generated by the $40 annual fee. The additional money will be used to increase benefits for the service’s employees, including insurance and retirement benefits, and at least $45,000 will be set aside in a fund for equipment.

County Judge Bob Clinard said the NEBCO proposal will benefit the residents of the area if it is approved. Benton County is talking with ambulance providers on how to pay for service to unincorporated areas of the county. That discussion is set to go to the Quorum Court’s Public Safety Committee when the panel meets at 5:30 p.m. April 29.

Upcoming Events