JFRD finds $2.3 million; 3 fire stations rescued

Revenue from rescue unit transports was underestimated

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A miscalculation of revenue coming to the city from rescue unit transports appears to be enough to reverse plans by Jacksonville City Council to close three fire stations and lay off firefighters.

Each time a Jacksonville Fire-Rescue unit transports a patient, the patient or insurance company is billed. JFRD Chief Marty Senterfitt said that amount was miscalculated in the budget forecast, and an additional $2.3 million should be available to the department.

"We transport over 100,000 patients a year. We found out we were not always billing appropriately and we were, basically, leaving money on the table," Senterfitt said.

Senterfeit said if the City Council takes that into consideration, there should be enough money to avoid closure of fire stations, retain the current number of firefighters and even allow the department to buy new vehicles.

"We have to have the vehicles to keep the stations open," Senterfitt said. "I said before fireman plus fire stations isn't enough. You have to have the vehicles to respond."

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In a special meeting Thursday with three council members, Senterfitt laid out the plan and auditors agreed the money was available.

"They were really confident they had more rescue revenue then was being reported in the budget," said Councilwoman Lori Boyer. "With the budget is as tight as it is an extra million or two million in revenue makes a big difference."

This plan along with other amendments will be presented to the full City Council on Tuesday, which will must pass a balanced budget before the end of the month.


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Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.