HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 28_8/12/2025 Agenda Item #28.
Regular Council
STAFF MEMO x
Meeting: Regular Council - Aug 12 2025
Staff Contact: John McLoughlin Department: Fire
ffwgwm
RESOLUTION 14-25, A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF
TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE UPWARD MODIFICATION OF EMS TRANSPORT
USER FEES TO KEEP RATES COMPARABLE WITH OTHER PALM BEACH COUNTY
AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES IDENTIFIED IN "EXHIBIT B"; AND AUTHORIZING THE
VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
. -
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA,
FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE UPWARD MODIFICATION OF EMS TRANSPORT USER
FEES BY 15% TO KEEP RATES COMPARABLE WITH OTHER PALM BEACH COUNTY
EMERGENCY TRANSPORT SERVICES IDENTIFIED IN "EXHIBIT B"; IF APPROVED
THE NEW RATES WOULD BE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2024. ATTACHED IS THE
PROPOSED FEE SCHEDULE WITH THE UPDATED RATES (EXHIBIT A), IF
APPROVED, AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED ON BEHALF
OF THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by
completing our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-
768-0443.
BUDGET • - •
BUDGET AMOUNT N/A AMOUNT AVAILABLE N/A EXPENDITURE AMOUNT: N/A
FUNDING SOURCES: N/A IS THIS A PIGGYBACK:
❑ Yes ❑ N/A
DID YOU OBTAIN 3 QUOTES?
❑ Yes ❑ N/A
COMMENTS/EXPLANATION ON SELECTIONN/A
Resolution 14-25 EMS Transport Fee Increase
Page 248 of 313
Agenda Item #28.
Exhibit A - Proposed Master Fee Schedule 10-01-2025 EMS Transport Fee update
Exhibit B - EMS Transport Fee increase Worksheet 8-14-2025
Page 249 of 313
Agenda Item #28.
RESOLUTION NO. 14-25
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF
TEQUESTA, FLORIDA,AUTHORIZING THE UPWARD
MODIFICATION OF EMS TRANSPORT USER FEES TO KEEP RATES
COMPARABLE WITH OTHER PALM BEACH COUNTY AMBULANCE
TRANSPORT SERVICES IDENTIFIED IN "EXHIBIT A"; AND
AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO PROCEED ON BEHALF
OF THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the Village Ordinance Section 34-124, Establishment and Review of Fees
states:
The pre-hospital emergency care user fees shall be determined and reviewed annually in
accordance with a detailed analysis of associated costs. The purpose of this review is to
evaluate the level of service for the pre-hospital emergency medical care system, to
determine whether it should be adjusted based on changed conditions,to analyze the effects
of inflation or other cost factors on the actual cost of providing such services, and to ensure
that the user fees charged will not exceed the reasonably anticipated costs of fire-rescue
pre-hospital emergency care system.
WHEREAS, Tequesta Fire Rescue responds to more than 1300 calls for service each year
and transports approximately 700 distressed patients to local hospitals to receive emergency care.
EMS user fees have not been adjusted since September 2020. Within this timeframe, Tequesta
Fire Rescue's collection rate was 68.6%. As of January 2024, we outsourced our EMS Medical
Billing to a third party billing company (EMS Management & Consultants). The majority of
ambulance transportation fees are paid by a patient's medical insurance, or by the patient directly.
WHEREAS, the user fees for Tequesta Fire Rescue have fallen short of the average Palm
Beach County user fee and currently, we rank as the lowest fees in Palm Beach County.
WHEREAS, Tequesta Fire Rescue proposes to bring user fees to the in line with Palm
Beach County Fire Rescue agencies by increasing our fees 15% effective October 1, 2025. If
approved, this proposal will increase both revenue and write-offs; and it will bring Tequesta in
line with EMS transport user fess for all Palm Beach County Agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA,AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1 Resolution No. 14-25 is hereby approved authorizing the upward
modification of EMS transportation fee accounts as listed in "Exhibit A" to remain on par with
other local Fire Rescue agencies;
Section 2 This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage.
Page 250 of 313
EXHIBITA
Master Fee
Schedule
Tequesta Fire Rescue
Effective October 1 . 2025
�w ray
EXHIBIT A
Table of Contents
Section I: Fire & Life Safety Protection
Page 3
Section II: Emergency Medical Service Fees Page 7
2
�w ray
EXHIBIT A
Section I: Fire and Life Safety Protection
A. Inspections:
A fee shall be imposed by the Fire Rescue Department for the review of plans, drawings,
specifications, engineered submittals, shop drawings, sketches, and for inspections for
all new construction, renovation or demolition within the Village and shall be charged
according to the fee schedule below.
Construction Plan Review Fee Schedule
Fee Description Fee
Per square foot of construction, demolition and $0.41
renovation of construction (except for single family
residential occupancies)
Minimum plan review $117.28
Review of plans/specifications not sealed by a licensed 50/of
architect or engineer Permit Fee
Failed inspection fee $54.72
Minor plan revision 10%of
Permit Fee
Major plan revision 50%of
Permit Fee
Minimum revision fee: Re-stamp $77.47
Minimum revision fee: Re-stamp per page $8.30
Water flow test (Fee must be paid in advance) $156.40
Fire Department Consultations Minimum Fee (including $194.79
but not limited to pre-permit meetings, bidding
conferences, conceptual design reviews, DRC review
and/or conferences)
Fire Department Consultations Fee Per Hour (including $132.95
but not limited to pre-permit meetings, bidding
conferences, conceptual design reviews, DRC review
and/or conferences)
Other Required Permits Under Florida Fire Fee
Prevention Code
Minimum Fee $78.21
Fire Suppression Sprinkler System (charge per head) $1.57
LP Gas Installation (charge per connection) $3.16
Fire Pump Installation &Acceptance Test $153.53
Fire Suppression Hood $78.21
Hood Suppression System (Per nozzle) $3.16
Stand Pipe System (Per hose outlet) $7.81
3
�w ray
EXHIBIT A
Fee Description Fee
Fire Alarm System (Per device) $1.57
Other required permits (including shutters) $78.21
Other Fee
Fire watch details required by Code and /or the Fire
Chief(per hour) $54.72
Annual Fire Inspection Fee Schedule
4
�w ray
EXHIBIT A
Assembly Occupancies Description FEE
(Based on Occupant Load)
A-1 Class C (Between 50 and 299) $101.66
A-2 Class B (Between 300 and 999) $163.24
A-3 Class A(Greater than 999) $234.60
Educational Description
E-1 Under 5,000 square feet $78.19
E-2 5,001 to 10,000 square feet $156.41
E-3 All others (including day care $78.95
centers)
Healthcare/Institutional Description
C-AMB Ambulatory Health Centers $78.95
C-LCF Limited Care Facilities $78.95
C-1 Nursing Homes $234.60
C-H Hospitals $393.84
Detention and Correction Description
Occupancies
D-ALL All types $393.84
Residential Occupancies Description
(Per Unit Charge)
M-F Multi-Family 1-2 stories $7.81
M-F Multi-Family 3-4 stories $7.81
M-F Multi-Family 5 stories and over $7.81
AL Assisted Living (per bed) $7.81
D-1 Hotel or Motel Facility(per bed) $7.81
Mercantile, Business and Description
Storage
B-1 3,000 square feet or less $78.95
B-2 3,001-6,000 square feet $101.66
B-3 6,001-10,000 square feet $164.22
B-4 10,001 square feet $229.10
Industrial/Manufacturing Description
F-1 Under 12,000 square feet $114.53
F-2 12,000 square feet and over $229.10
Miscellaneous Description
Other structures and Other(FOTHR) $78.95
required permits by NFPA
Review of Fire and/or Review (PLANS) $78.95
disaster operational plans
5
�w ray
EXHIBIT A
Locked or blocked exit Locked/Blocked exit door $117.42
door fine (per door) (FDOORS)
Re-Inspection Fee Schedule
Inspection & Re-inspection Trip Fees FEE
Re-inspection trip AFIFS
Second re-inspection trip AFIFS + $54.72
Third re-inspection trip AFIFS + $164.17
Fourth re-inspection trip AFIFS + $383.02
Fifth re-inspection trip AFIFS + $820.86
Sixth re-inspection trip AFIFS + $1,696.04
Seventh re-inspection trip AFIFS + $3,447.44
Eighth re-inspection trip AFIFS + $6,950.01
Ninth re-inspection trip AFIFS +
$13,954.74
B. Special Detail:
A fee shall be imposed by the Fire Rescue Department for the protection of special
events, the requested participation in special events or for requested classes within the
Village, and shall be according to the fee schedules below.
Class Fee Schedule
Class FEE Details
CPR Certification $46.72 Minimum: 4 participants
Class
Hands-Only CPR No Fee On-duty only
Class
Stop the Bleed Class No Fee On-duty only
Fire Extinguisher No Fee On-duty only
Class
2. Event/Life Safety Details
Staffing and vehicles will be assigned at the discretion of the Fire Chief as appropriate
for the detail with cost based on the Event/Life Safety Fee Schedule.
Fire Watch is necessary when fire protection equipment becomes disabled. The
Fire Chief will determine and require the number of personnel required to
6
�w ray
EXHIBIT A
render the building safe. Typically, only one firefighter is required, but it could be
more depending on the building and occupancy. A TFR vehicle will be stationed
at the scene for gear storage and communication. All costs are based on the
Event/Life Safety Fee Schedule.
b. Special Event Protection
The Fire Chief will determine and require the number of personnel required
for the protection of the special event. Staffing and vehicles will be assigned
as appropriate for the event with all costs based on the Event/Life Safety Fee
Schedule. There is a
3-hour minimum.
c. Event Participation Details
When request by event organizer requires overtime assignment and
permitted by the Fire Chief vehicles, equipment and personnel assigned will
be billed as outlined in Event/Life Safety Fee Schedule.
Event/Life Safety Fee Schedule
Fee Type NEW FEE PER HR Details
Fire $5.68 1 hour minimum
Administration
Fee
Administrative $39.73 3 hour minimum
Personnel
Firefighter $54.72 3 hour minimum
Command Officer $73.78 3 hour minimum
Rescue $56.76 Requires a minimum of 2
firefighters
Fire Engine $85.13 Requires a minimum of 3
firefighters
Aerial/Ladder $113.51 Requires a minimum of 3
firefighters
Utility/Support $28.38 Requires a minimum of 1
firefighter
TFR Tent $22.70 Requires additional vehicle
Sparky the Dog $22.70 Requires minimum of 2 personnel
and additional vehicle
Inflatable Jake $22.70 Requires minimum of 2 personnel
Blaze and additional vehicle
7
�w ray
EXHIBIT A
d. Adjustment of Fees:
Per Village Resolution 07-22, commencing February 11, 2022 and updating July 1 of each
subsequent year, all fees in the Tequesta Fire Rescue Master Fee Schedule Section I shall be
adjusted by an annual cost index. The annual cost index shall be the average of the May
Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, Southern Region and the May Consumer Price
Index, Medical Care Group. Resolution 07-22 hereby supersedes Resolution 45-21.
8
�w ray
6
EXHIBIT A
Section II: Emergency Medical Services Transport Fees
A. Emergency Medical Services Transport Fees:
A fee shall be imposed by the Village for each Emergency Medical Services Transport
performed by the Fire-Rescue Department and shall be according to the fee schedule
herein set forth below. NOTE—as a benefit of employment with the Village of
Tequesta, Emergency Medical Service Transport Fees are waived for all full-time and
part-time Village of Tequesta employees (excluding elected officials).
Emergency Medical Services User Fee Schedule
(Effective October 1, 2025)
Transport Mileage BLS ALS1 ALS2 ALS
Rates Average
Current Rate 12.00 610.00 670.00 745.00 707.50
(Effective since
9/11/2020)
Proposed Rate 14.00 702.00 771.00 857.00 814.00
B. Review and Adjustment of Fees:
The pre-hospital emergency care user fees shall be determined and reviewed annually in
accordance with a detailed analysis of associated costs.The purpose of this review is to evaluate
the level of service for the pre-hospital emergency medical care system,to determine whether it
should be adjusted based on changed conditions,to analyze the effects of inflation or other cost
factors on the actual cost of providing such services, and to ensure that the user fees charged
will not exceed the reasonably anticipated costs of fire-rescue pre-hospital emergency care
system. All future adjustments of fees are at the discretion of Village Council.
9
Agenda Item #28.
RESOLUTION 14-25 EXHIBIT B
2024 Insurance and Payment Methods
Medicare
• Medicare itself represents 274 of the 524 (52%)
• Medicare Advantage plans represent 146 of the 524 (28%)
Medicare represents over 80% of our EMS Transports.
Medicare Rates Mileage BLS ALS1 ALS2 ALS
Average
Medicare Allowable 8.94 444.00 527.25 763.12 645.19
Other Transports
• 76 out of 524 (14.5%) had private insurance
• 14 out of 524 (2.67%) were private pay (though some of those have
• 7 out of 524 (1.34%) were Medicaid and Medicaid MC (which we do not accept).
• 7 out of 524 were non-traditional coverage (VA, Hospice, Worker's Comp,
Auto, etc.) (1.34%)
Comparison
Compared to local municipalities, the user fees for Tequesta Fire-Rescue has
fallen behind the other Fire Rescue services in Palm Beach County as well as for
Martin County. The current rates are listed below.
Page 260 of 313
Agenda Item #28.
The following is the current User Fee Schedule for Palm Beach County EMS
Transport Services provided by Palm Beach County Emergency Management:
PBCO Fire Rescue Agencies Mileage BLS ALS1 ALS2 3.75 Mile
AILS
Transport
Boca Raton Fire Rescue 12.00 750.00 750.00 850.00 845.00
Boynton Beach Fire Rescue 17.00 790.00 790.00 950.00 933.75
Delray Beach Fire Rescue 14.00 700.00 800.00 1,000.00 952.50
Greenacres Fire Rescue 13.00 670.00 670.00 830.00 798.75
Highland Beach Fire Rescue 12.00 650.00 685.00 770.00 772.50
Jupiter Fire Rescue 15.00 730.00 730.00 890.00 866.25
North Palm Beach Fire Rescue 14.00 700.00 800.00 900.00 902.50
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue 15.00 730.00 730.00 890.00 866.25
Palm Beach Fire Rescue 12.00 750.00 750.00 850.00 845.00
Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue 12.00 700.00 750.00 800.00 820.00
Riviera Beach Fire Rescue 14.00 750.00 800.00 1,000.00 952.50
West Palm Beach Fire Rescue 12.00 700.00 700.00 750.00 770.00
The following is the current User Fee Schedule for Martin County EMS Transport Services
provided by Martin County Fire Rescue
Other Agencies Mileage BLS ALS1 ALS2 3.75 Mile AILS
Transport
Martin County Fire Rescue 12.16 749.47 845.54 989.68 963.21
The following is a comparison of Tequesta Fire Rescue EMS Transport Fees compared to the
average of the agencies in Palm Beach Count
Current Rates Mileage BLS ALS1 ALS2 AILS
Average
Palm Beach County Average 13.50 718.33 746.25 873.33 809.79
Tequesta Fire Rescue 12.00 610.00 670.00 745.00 707.50
Difference (1.50) (108.33) (76.25) (128.33) (102.29)
Our proposal is to bring Tequesta Fire Rescue's user fees in line with all Palm Beach
County Fire Rescue Agencies by increasing our fees by 15% effective October 1, 2025
If approved, this proposal will increase both revenue and write-offs.
Proposed Rates Mileage BLS ALS1 ALS2 AILS
Average
Tequesta Fire Rescue-Current 12.00 610.00 670.00 745.00 707.50
Tequesta Fire Rescue- 14.00 702.00 771.00 857.00 814.00
Proposed
Difference 1.80 91.50 100.50 111.75 106.13
Page 261 of 313
Agenda Item #28.
Additional Information on Insurance Definitions: Categories of Service
BLS Category (A0425 BASIC LIFE SUPPORT)
The Basic Life Support — Emergency category is the provision of BLS
services as defined in the National EMS Education and Practice
Blueprint for the EMS-Basic, including the establishment of a peripheral
intravenous line, the context of an emergency response.
An emergency response is one that, at the time the ambulance supplier
is called, is provided after the sudden onset of a medical condition
manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that the
absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected
to result in:
1. Placing the beneficiary's health in serious jeopardy;
2. Impairment to bodily functions; or
3. Serious dysfunction to any bodily organ or part.
ALS 1 Category (A0427ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT LEVEL 1)
The Advanced Life Support Level 1 category is the provision of an
assessment by an advanced life support provider or the provision of one
or more ALS interventions, in the context of an emergency response.
An ALS provider is defined as a provider trained to the level of the EMT-
Intermediate or Paramedic as defined in the National EMS Education
and Practice Blueprint.
An ALS Intervention is defined as procedure beyond the scope of an
EMT-Basic as defined in the National EMS Education and Practice
Blueprint.
An emergency response is one that, at the time the ambulance supplier
is called, is provided after the sudden onset of a medical condition
manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that the
absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected
to result in:
1. Placing the beneficiary's health in serious jeopardy;
2. Impairment to bodily functions; or
3. Serious dysfunction to any bodily organ or part.
ALS 2 Emergency Category (A0433 ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT LEVEL 2)
The Advanced Life Support, Level 2 category is:
1. The administration of three or more different medications,and
2. The provision of at least one of the following ALS procedures:
• Manual defibrillation/cardioversion
• Endotracheal intubation
Page 262 of 313
Agenda Item #28.
• Central venous line
• Cardiac pacing
• Chest decompression
• Surgical Airway
• Intraosseous line
An ALS provider is defined as a provider trained to the level of the EMT-
Intermediate or Paramedic as defined in the National EMS Education and
Practice Blueprint.
An ALS Intervention is defined as procedure beyond the scope of
an EMT-Basic as defined in the National EMS Education and
Practice Blueprint.
Page 263 of 313