Collection recovery costs incurred by the Fire Department, including billing and collection costs, court costs, and attorney fees, shall be assessed to a responsible party who fails to remit reimbursement for the costs of the provided emergency services in accordance with the billing procedures of this section.
(a) Upon determination of responsibility for an emergency response, the Fire Chief, or his designee, may prepare and deliver an invoice of the charges imposed to the responsible party or parties for payment. The responsible party shall reimburse the Fire Department, as directed by the invoice, for the charges set forth in the invoice within 30 days. The responsible party shall be liable for any costs associated with the collection of the unpaid balance that remains after the expiration of 30 days.
(b) If the responsible party refuses to reimburse the City, and owns real estate in the City, the expenses shall be assessed against the real estate in the manner provided by the City Charter (delinquent bills and assessments). If the person or entity does not own real estate in the City, collection shall be pursued by the office of the City Attorney.
(Res. 2022-423A. Passed 1-3-23, Eff. 1-13-23.)