Excerpts from wcia.com:
One Central Illinois fire department is considering the implementation of fees for one of its services.
The Village of Savoy is set to vote on a new ordinance that would specifically affect non-emergency calls at assisted living facilities within the village. The non-emergency service would primarily be lift assistance. The Savoy Fire Department has already responded to over 100 of these non-emergency calls this year — a number they hope to limit in 2024.
Several reasons prompted this decision, including being short-staffed on equipment, and to reduce pressure on firefighters, the village is advocating for these fees. If passed, this ordinance would align Savoy with other fire departments in the area, like Champaign and Rantoul, which charge $300 to $400 for lift assist calls.
Unlike career departments, Savoy utilizes a paid-call system for firefighters, many of whom have full-time careers.
The ordinance will be officially voted on by the village board Wednesday night.
