By COLLIN BREAUXHolmes County Emergency Medical Services Director Steve Connell initially proposed the Holmes County Fire Department be reimbursed for costs associated with responding to vehicle crashes–a proposal the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) initially approved on Nov. 28.
However, that will no longer be so.
The BOCC rescinded implementing the fees–which would be reimbursed through personal injury insurance–on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the request of Connell.
Connell asked the BOCC to do so after local community members on Facebook said implementing the fees was not permitted under state statute, following initial coverage on the fees by Holmes County Advertiser.
“I began to do some additional research and, based on what I found, Florida Statute 125 states that the county cannot impose or seek reimbursement for any costs to motor vehicle crashes,” Connell said.
Connell also got legal advice on the matter.
“At least you tried,” County Commissioner Brandon Newsom said.
The costs were $350 for extrication, $150 for a fire department response, and $50 per hour for on-scene wait time, among other charges. Connell proposed the fees in order to address firefighter funding needs.
GARETT VALCOURT 
Jim Saunders 
Dara Kam 