Streator council adopts lift-assist fee for some medical responses

The Streator City Council on a unanimous voice vote approved Ordinance 2026-01 to amend Chapter 3.48 of the Streator Municipal Code to permit a lift-assist fee for certain emergency responses.

City staff said the change will allow the fire department to assess a $30 vehicle charge for lift-assist calls at senior care facilities and nursing homes. "So what we're looking to do is the fire department is looking to charge lift assist to senior care facilities, nursing homes, and then a $30 vehicle charge," said the Fire Chief during the council discussion.

Council members and staff said the ordinance is intended to align with state law and to reduce repeat nonemergency calls. Staff noted that state statute allows a limited number of free occurrences annually before a fee may be imposed: "by statute, they are allowed 6 occurrences each year before that charge goes out," the Fire Chief said.

Councilmember Geary moved the ordinance and Councilmember Reed seconded the motion. The clerk called the roll and the vote was recorded as Aye from Jacob, Gary, Reid, Shire and Mary B; the ordinance carried.

City staff said implementation details, notices to affected facilities and charge processing will be clarified before the fee is applied.

The ordinance will be added to the municipal code and staff will return with administrative details and an implementation timeline.