New Jersey City Considers Billing Insurers for Fire Calls

One New Jersey city is considering billing insurance companies for fire department services.

Passaic Mayor Alex Blanco is proposing insurers pay $500 for residential fire calls and $25,000 for fires in commercial buildings.

Fire department calls to car accidents could also be subject to bills.

Blanco says the plan could raise $150,000 per year at a time when the economy is taking a toll on the city’s budget.

Some residents oppose the ordinance, saying insurance companies would raise their rates.