Leggett seeks to revive controversial ambulance fee

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett intends to revive a bill that would raise millions of dollars by charging an ambulance fee, a measure that voters rejected when it was put on the ballot in November 2010. The legislation, which Leggett sent County Council President Roger Berliner on Thursday, is identical to the bill introduced in 2008. It would authorize the county Fire and Rescue Service to levy a fee — usually $300 to $800 — to recover the costs incurred when someone is transported via ambulance, including the costs of staff and equipment.

Residents would not pay the fee, Leggett said. Rather, the bill would allow the county to seek reimbursement from insurance companies.