MUNCIE, Ind. — At the first Muncie City Council meeting since its members went majority Republican, as two councilors have switched party affiliation to Republican this summer, Ordinance 25-25 passed 5-4 to increase EMS fees and collections.

Charges are increasing from $550 to $1,600 for Basic Life Support, $950 to $2,000 for Advanced Life Support Level 1, and $1,287 to $2,900 for Advanced Life Support Level 2. There is a potential decrease of up to 60% for those who are uninsured, and one clause in the ordinance, dubbed the “financial hardship” clause at the meeting, that allowed individuals who couldn’t afford the fees to ask for a write-off. Individuals at the meeting questioned if there would be an outline for how this would be determined.

The ordinance was defended by Muncie Fire Chief Dan Burford and Jason Chafin, President of IAFF Local 1348. Chafin described it as going after the “big insurance”, insisting changes in cost will have a bigger impact on insurance companies than people. One local community member Cameron Grubbs, speaking in opposition, pointed out that it would still change what the insured will be paying. Council-members Nora Powell and Sara Gullion were also vocal against the ordinance for the same reason, and asking for it to be tabled and for clearer protocols for the financial hardship clause to be created before passing the ordinance.

Before being voted on for approval, a vote to table the ordinance went 4-5 before adopting it went 5-4. The ordinance was first introduced in early July.

Outside of approval of the increased rates, Ordinance 24-25 that impacts zoning passed after being introduced in the July 7th meeting. The only dissenting vote was made by Billy McIntosh.