City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  January 17, 2006

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to renew the contract with CPR, Inc. for BLS ambulance billing for the year of 2006.

Background:  In 2000 the City entered into a contract with CPR to do BLS billing.  Prior to that City staff had performed the billing.  The contract has been a success, our billing revenue increased (in part due to rate changes) and the staff has been able to use the time saved for other tasks.

The original contract with CPR was a part of the paramedic contract with Milwaukee County that ended on December 31, 2003.  The rate was 7.5% of which 6.5% went to CPR and 1% went to Milwaukee County.  With the expiration of the paramedic contract with Milwaukee County the City of Oak Creek entered into a one year contact with CPR in 2004 at an 8.5% rate which was extended for 2005.

CPR has offered a one or two year contact for the rate of 8.25%.  At this time the Fire Department is recommending renewing the contract for only one year at the rate of 8.25%.  Milwaukee County is currently using CPR for the paramedic billing on a month by month basis and has indicated they may be changing to a different billing agent this year.  The Fire Department believes a one year contract is the best option at this time and would like to revisit the question of changing billing agents next year.

Fiscal Impact: Adequate funds have been budgeted in the 2006 Fire Department Budget to cover the cost of the BLS billing service.

Prepared and Approved by:

George M. Krudop

Acting Fire Chief

Fiscal Review by:

Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

City Clerk