TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Kimberly Ferrell, Finance Director
THROUGH: Mark R. Lauzier, City Manager
DATE: September 6, 2018
Title
ORDINANCE NO. 14-18: COLLECTION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE FEES ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (SECOND READING)
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to update the ordinance “Collection of Emergency Medical Service Fees” and strike the below noted verbiage.
Any bill remaining unpaid for a period of ninety (90) days shall be considered delinquent. Any delinquent bill shall incur interest at a rate determined by the City Manager. The notice of an interest charge shall be included on the initial bill mailed to the patient.
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Background:
Chapter 96 section 67 was revised and passed on 10/1/2002-Ordinance number 46-02. The current verbiage does not allow for variance for collections. Our current contract with PENN Credit has a 19% fee to be tacked to each account sent to collections for the file to be worked. The verbiage does not allow for the CODB to recoup this due to the current 9% as noted. It is requested that the percentage to be open ended.
History:
In the past the collection percentage has been paid out of what was collected and not added to the patient's bill. EMS Billing collection account have never added the fee up front. In an effort to streamline all accounts throughout the City of Delray Beach that are sent to collections they shall have the collection percentage added up front to ensure that the city is collecting the maximum amount of revenue.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
N/A
Timing of Request:
Immediately