Clarkston City Council OKs ambulance rate hike
City Council approves 40% increase, says rates are still comparatively low
The Clarkston City Council approved a 40% increase in ambulance transport rates at Monday night’s meeting.
As of Sept. 1, most fees will be raised by $200. The ordinance passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote.
Fire Chief Darren White said the rates haven’t been changed since 2018, and were “on the low side” in comparison to other communities. The newly approved fees are still considered low by consultants, he said.
The change will primarily affect privately insured patients and those who self-pay for transport, White said. Medicare and Medicaid have set rates for ambulance trips to a hospital.
The city’s ambulance service is operated by the Clarkston Fire Department.
In other city business, the council is considering a zone change near Poplar and 14th streets for vacant property owned by the Clarkston Lodging Group. Tom Denlea, who built the Best Western Plus hotel and apartments in that area, is the applicant.
The property is currently zoned service commercial, and Denlea, of Grandview, Wash., is asking for it to be changed to high-density residential. Clarkston’s planning commission signed off on the proposal last month. A second reading of the ordinance is slated for the next council meeting.
Mayor Monika Lawrence said Rockin’ on the River has been canceled this summer, according to a letter to the city from the organizers. A band could not be booked for the summer concert, she said.
Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.
