TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

City Council To Reconsider The Benefits Of A 'Crash Tax'

ADVERTISEMENT

By LAURA KINSLER

lkinsler@tampatrib.com

Published: November 12, 2008

ZEPHYRHILLS - The very concept of a "crash tax" seemed repugnant a year ago. Then Amendment 1 passed, and city officials watched their tax revenues shrink by $400,000 this year.

Now, the idea of charging victims of car accidents for possible life-saving services provided by police or first-responders seems far more palatable.
City Council members who earlier rejected a cost-recovery ordinance for the police and fire departments gave the chiefs the go-ahead on Monday to bring the ordinance up for reconsideration.

"I don't like it, but I think we should investigate it," City Manager Steve Spina said.

Port Richey enacted a similar program in February. The city charges nonresidents who are involved in motor vehicle accidents inside the city limits. The charge only applies to the at-fault driver and only if no crimes were committed.

The city contracts with an Ohio firm that specializes in cost recovery. In most cases, the drivers' insurance companies are billed.
Fire Chief Keith Williams estimates the city could bring in $250,000 in new revenue through such cost recovery, even with a 60 percent collection rate.
City Attorney Joe Poblick questioned the legality of the Port Richey ordinance.

"I think there's an equal protection issue, if you don't charge city residents the same fee," he said. "I don't think it would survive a challenge."

In other business, the council voted unanimously to end the interlocal agreement between the city and county fire departments. The county currently pays Zephyrhills $75,000 to compensate the fire department for making calls outside the city limits. The contract expires in March.

Williams said Zephyrhills Fire Rescue made 1,785 service calls to unincorporated Pasco County last year. County firefighters responded to just nine calls inside the city limits.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT