Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/143399
Sarasota News Leader July 12, 2013 Page 42 to ask the county to reimburse the city part was justified because in unincorporated parts of a $600 ambulance fee the county charges. of the county, the county charges the same $600 fee, but it provides both EMS and fire When a Sarasota County rescue squad crew response. responds to an emergency in Venice, the city often sends backup in the form of a fire truck "We are not getting any reimbursement," Holic with two firefighters trained as emergency pointed out. medical technicians. "I didn't expect the county to say, 'Sure we'll Fifty to 60 percent of all emergency calls in pay you,'" Holic added. "Would it have been Venice — such as a the right thing? Yes." traffic accident with After the county cominjuries — require a I didn't expect the county to say, missioners on July 9 fire truck's response, said Venice Mayor 'Sure we'll pay you.' Would it have been directed Reid to draft his letter, The SarasoJohn Holic. The types the right thing? Yes. ta News Leader spoke of situations that neJohn Holic with Holic. "The councessitate rolling a fire Mayor Venice ty is going to hold onto truck are spelled out the revenue it has," the by an interlocal agreemayor said. "And I'm going to look into more ment between the city and county. ways to make it fair for our residents." Holic said he wanted to see whether the city could get reimbursed for some of its expens- Holic is concerned Venice residents will soon es on those calls. He reasoned the request end up paying ballooning taxes to both the EMTs respond to the scene of an accident in the county. Photo courtesy Sarasota County Mayor John Holic of Venice. Photo courtesy City of Venice