During the Dearborn City Council meeting on September 9, 2025, a significant proposal was discussed regarding the rising number of nonemergency calls to the Dearborn Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The council addressed the increasing burden placed on emergency services by assisted living facilities, independent care centers, and nursing homes, which often call for assistance despite being equipped to handle such situations.

The proposed cost recovery ordinance aims to alleviate this issue by imposing a $1,000 fee for nonemergency responses, such as lift assists. This initiative follows similar measures adopted by other cities facing the same challenges. The ordinance is designed to recoup costs incurred by the city when responding to these calls, which have surged from approximately 200 to nearly 1,000 annually over the past decade, according to Fire Chief Lehi.

Chief Lehi emphasized that many of these facilities are legally required to have adequate staffing to manage nonemergency situations. However, due to a statewide shortage of paramedics and nurses, they often resort to calling 911 for assistance. This not only diverts resources from genuine emergencies but also places a strain on the fire department's ability to serve the broader community effectively.

The ordinance stipulates that facilities will receive a 60-day notice before fines are imposed, and they will have a limited appeal process. The council clarified that the fees would be billed directly to the facilities rather than the patients, as many nonemergency calls are not reimbursable by Medicare or Medicaid.

Councilman Hamoud highlighted the ordinance's intent to improve service delivery for residents by reducing unnecessary calls from for-profit facilities that rely on public resources instead of adequately staffing their facilities. The council aims to ensure that emergency services remain available for true emergencies, thereby enhancing overall community safety.

The council also discussed the administrative aspects of implementing the ordinance, including billing procedures and the potential for unpaid fines to be placed as liens on properties. The proposed fee of $1,000 was determined based on a breakdown of the actual costs incurred during these nonemergency responses, which include time spent on-site and necessary report writing.

As the council moves forward with this proposal, the implications for local emergency services and the responsibilities of assisted living facilities will be closely monitored. The ordinance represents a proactive step towards addressing the challenges posed by nonemergency calls, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of the Dearborn community.