Foothills County raised its billing cap for fire services, but the increase is less than what was originally proposed.
The fire billing cap was discussed during the County’s council meeting on Oct. 11. Council decided to increase the billing cap to $5,000, rather than raising it to $10,000 as originally proposed.
The change will take effect on Jan. 1, pending the approval of the County's fee schedule later this year.
Currently, Foothills County can charge up to $1,500 for responding to a fire on residential or agricultural land that is not the fault of the landowner, even though the actual cost to the County usually far exceeds that amount.
The increase will be included in the County’s draft fee schedule that council will consider for first reading during its meeting on Oct. 25.
CAO Ryan Payne said a public hearing will take place in December, before the fee schedule is adopted, and the new rates will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
Based on feedback council heard about the proposed increase during a public hearing in September, Reeve Delilah Miller said going to $10,000 is too much of a jump.
“I think $5,000 is a good compromise,” Miller said.
Insurance coverage varies, and Foothills County recommends that ratepayers have in-depth discussions with their insurance agents regarding coverage for insurable losses and any other pertinent considerations within their individual insurance policies.
