New Jersey Towns Look to Charge Insurers for Fire and First-Aid

Some New Jerseyans might have to pay if they need the fire department or an ambulance.

Salem’s City Council has adopted an ordinance that would allow the fire department to charge to recover costs.

The council says most fire and auto insurance policies will compensate fire departments if a schedule of fees has been adopted.

Fire Chief Fred Ayars told the Today’s Sunbeam newspaper the ordinance is designed to get money from insurance companies. Ayers says no fee will be charged if a resident doesn’t have insurance.

Meanwhile, Cape May is considering an $8 per mile ambulance charge to help balance the 2011 budget.

The surcharge is expected to add $100 to the $500 fee that Cape May already charges for an ambulance.

The Press of Atlantic City reports Mayor Ed Mahaney is worried some people would not call for an ambulance because of the added cost.