November 3, 2010

Ambulance fees rejected in Montgomery County

WASHINGTON - Voters in Montgomery County rejected ambulance fees. The referendum would have raised millions for the cash-strapped county.

"We're losing about $14 million, and we'll be looking to balance the budget accordingly," says Montgomery County Council President Nancy Floreen. Floreen says it's too early to say whether the Montgomery County Council will follow the guidance of Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett. Leggett has said the loss of the revenue from fees would cost at least 80 firefighters their jobs and take 11 ambulances out of service.

The county has a $12.5 million budget gap. The measure would have charged insurance companies between $300 and $800 for ambulance rides. Critics said it would have discouraged people from calling 911. SOURCE: WTOP

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