Ambulance fees hiked

As part of its effort to get full cost recovery for city services, the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved dramatic increases in the cost for ambulance services provided by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Daily News.

On a 10-0 vote, the council raised the advanced life support rates from $889 to $1,004 and the basic life support service from $622 to $712. Mileage rates will be increased from $14.50 to $15.75 per mile.

"We are trying to remain consistent with the rates charged by the county of Los Angeles," said Councilman Bernard Parks, who chairs the council's Budget and Finance Committee. The county's rates are $982 for advanced life support and $700 for basic life support.