Harahan approves fee for non-emergency lift assists at private residential care facilities

The Harahan City Council voted Jan. 15 to adopt an ordinance adding a non-emergency lift-assist service fee for privately owned residential care facilities.

Council members said the ordinance responds to repeated calls that tie up city emergency resources when facilities lack staff to perform non‑medical lift assists. Council discussion focused on scope — whether the rule should apply to for-profit and not‑for‑profit private residential care facilities — and on the fee level. Staff told the council they calculated a three‑month average of time, personnel and truck costs that worked out to about $175; the council set the fee at $150 after discussion to match community expectations and to cover costs.

What it does: The ordinance amends Chapter 34 of the city code to add a non‑emergency lift‑assist service fee, provide for billing and enforcement, and tie permit or business‑license considerations to billing enforcement language. Councilmembers emphasized the ordinance is not intended to cover private residences or public facilities.

Next steps: The ordinance takes effect as adopted; staff will apply the fee when the fire department responds to non‑emergency lift assists at covered facilities and will report back if adjustments are needed.