12-14-1977 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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page two -- 5) The person preparing this so- called study has no background in economics, government, taxation, etc. More than technical know -how in paramedics is required to do a study of this nature. Sorneonc skilled in the area of government financing, knowing how it affects the personnel structure of a goverrunental unit (professional jealousy frequently leads to union disagreements), how this affects levy limitations under which local governments operate, etc. This study must be conducted by those with expertise in all these fields in cooperation with those with knowledgeable in the field of medicine. 6) Does government create programs to provide the unemployed with jobs? It is my contention that we must first recognize the need from within the community and then recognize the willingness and ability of the people to financially support the program. We then develop .a program, for the community (tailor made to fit that particular area) and then (and then only) do we seek the most qualified individuals to fill these positions. We do not have just anyone come to us with a program and study, buy his or her package complete with his or her choice of employees. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WAS PUT TO ME THIS SUMMER AND I REJECTED SUCH A PROPOSAL. 7) Should the federal government tell us what we need? Because the "government" has money to spend, does Roseville adopt a program? You do not accept any program from the government unless you are willing to pay the freight afterthe point of departure (when the federal goverrunent:'s participation expires). 8) Payment for these services is a big question -- user's fees or inclusion in the tax levy. How will the people react after having years of free ambulance service and suddenly be faced with a bill for $45? Do -we make a differential between the type of calls, if current service is continued? The City of St. Paul is charing $45 and Maplewood $35 -45 per hospital run. Both cities are having difficulty making collections. 9) If the City of Roseville goes together with other communities and some of these communities have difficulty "collecting ", who picks up the deficit? We must recognize that some communities have a bare minimum of a staff. 10) Do the people really want a service which takes them to only one hospital or possibly two or. three? The ambulance service now provided by Roseville goes to any hospital in Ramsey and Hennepin Counties where we may be treated by our own doctors and where many of us have medical histories on record. Does paramedics create a medical monopoly? Are we unwittingly causing a growth in a government - supported hospital by this action? 11) Does the paramedic service provided by the City of Maplewood save more lives than the present E.M.T. service provided by the city of Roseville? We have a basis for making a comparison and I believe we should see these facts before we take action in adopting this program. 00002