2008/01/02 Council Agenda Packet

K y EVERETT;CITE COUI�CCIL AGENDA ITEM COUERy HEET ' k , PROJECT TITLE: I I Professional Service Consent COUNCIL BILL# Agreement with Fairway Action Originating Department Collections LLC for First Reading Contact Person Murray Gordon professional collection services Second Reading Phone Number X8101 for the City of Everett's Third Reading FOR AGENDA OF 1/2/08 uncollectible emergency Public Hearing transport fees. Initialed by: Department Head CAA Council President Location Preceding Action Attachments Department(s)Approval Budget Committee Agreement Legal 11/14/07 Amount Budgeted Expenditure Required 0 Account Number(s): Budget Remaining Additional Required DETAILED SUMMARY STATEMENT: The City of Everett charges a fee for emergency transport and contracts with a billing service to bill insurance providers. For Everett residents, amounts not paid by insurance are covered by the EMS property tax levy. However, non-residents are responsible for transport fees not covered by their insurance. City Council adopted Resolution#5874 on February 28, 2007,which establishes procedures for financial assistance that reduce or eliminate unpaid balances for non-residents who meet federal poverty guidelines. It is necessary to contract with a professional collection agency to pursue the delinquent accounts of non- residents who do not qualify for financial assistance. Fairway's fees will be added to the principal due. Recoveries will be distributed on 60/40 basis between principal and collection agency fees until the entire amount due is paid in full. Fairway Collections has considerable experience in collections related to medical transactions and HIPPA compliance. RECOMMENDATION (Exact action requested of Council): Authorize the Mayor to sign a Professional Service Agreement with Fairway Collections LLC for professional collection services for the City of Everett's uncollectible emergency transport fees. 6t,