Detroit City Council Delays Decision on Private Ambulance Contracts Amid Cost Concerns
The Detroit City Council has postponed a decision on contracts with three private ambulance companies, which are paid up to $600,000 annually each for 911 standby coverage. These companies are also allowed to bill patients or their insurance for services rendered, a practice some council members, including Angela Whitfield-Calloway, have criticized as 'double dipping.' The contracts were sent back to committee after a 4-3 vote, with Council President James Tate absent. The Public Health and Service Committee is set to revisit the contracts on May 4.