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EMSA CEO Steve Williamson urged city councilors Thursday to not let the organization's problems in the past affect their decision on whether to maintain a previously approved rate increase for emergency ambulance transport.
"I am trying to right what was wrong - if it was wrong - and some of it was poor judgment on my part," Williamson told councilors during a committee hearing. "But the system is working financially and clinically, so please look past some of that and don't make that a reflection of a political issue because this will reflect on the care given on the streets and the strength of the system."
In June, councilors approved an increase in the charge for an emergency ambulance transport to $1,300 from $1,100, effective July 1. But because an investigative audit of EMSA was forthcoming, they agreed to that increase only after attaching a sunset clause that was to make the fee revert to $1,100 after Dec. 31.
A state audit issued in January found that EMSA spent lavishly on "unwarranted and extravagant" items, including spa treatments and an anniversary party for employees, and took EMSA's board to task for failing to stop "abusive expenditure patterns."
The audit by the state Auditor and Inspector's Office covers activity from Jan. 1, 2009, through June 30, 2012.
Councilors later extended the sunset date to March 31 and are expected to vote again next week on whether to remove the sunset clause and keep the existing rate in place.
Williamson told councilors that reverting to the $1,100 fee for the last three months of the fiscal year - April, May and June - would result in a $475,000 loss of revenue that would have to be made up in following years.
If the rate increase remains in effect the next three months, Williamson said, EMSA would be able to keep the same rate for fiscal year 2014.
"If we don't get those monies, then we will be asking for $1,500 (beginning) July 1 2013, and $1,800 July 1 of 2014," Williamson said.
He said the rate increase is needed to address the growing need for service in the Tulsa area.
Kevin Canfield 918-581-8313
kevin.canfield@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: EMSA CEO urges rate hike
EMSA
Councilors suggest that it puts additional work on the Fire Department’s first responders.
He said changing the response time requirement would decrease the likelihood of accidents by EMSA crews without compromising patient care.
