Henryetta council members are studying an idea to provide air ambulance service to all city residents.
air evacThe site plan offered by Air Evac would tack on an estimated additional $2 per month to residential water bills. According to Air Evac representative David Isley, the cost for the city would amount to $62,700.
He told the council Tuesday night Air Evac has made 52 flights since the base was opened at Hillcrest Henryetta hospital March 18. Of that, 21 flights were from the hospital and the rest through calls to other communities and areas. "The average cost of those flights was $25,000," Isley said. He pointed out the cost would go up if more specialty care including blood transfusions, was required. He said Air Evac has accumulated $1.3 million in billing since opening here.
"Can we do this?," asked councilman Ronnie Duke. "To me we would be forcing people to become members."
City attorney John Insabella said the council could pass an ordinance allowing the fee to be added. "The attorney general has an opinion that says they are billing for ambulance service so they can do it. I imagine this is an ambulance service in the air."
Duke said he would feel more comfortable doing it if the matter was put to a vote of the people. Mayor Jennifer Clason cautioned that the cost of such an election could run up to $10,000.
Isley said the site plan would cover everyone that lives within the household but council member Christy Jeffcoat questioned how it could be proven a person lives there. "What would keep someone from using the service and saying they have a kid there?"
"I think you have a good product," said Duke, "but I don't want to force someone into it if they don't want it."
Clason asked Thehenryettan.com to start a poll looking for input from local residents about the fee.

 

CLICK HERE to see the entire presentation at the council meeting.

 

VOTE HERE to give your opinion on adding Air Evac coverage through a water bill.