TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa City Council approved an ordinance change allowing the Tulsa Fire Department to bill drivers for responses to certain car crashes.

Deputy Fire Chief Doug Carner told councilors the move is expected to generate at least $1.1 million in reimbursements for the city’s general fund, NewsOn6 reported.

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Fire Chief Michael Baker said the department responds to about 4,400 crashes a year, and the new billing plan grew out of efforts to relieve pressure on the department’s budget.

Bills will be sent only to the insurance companies of drivers found at fault, not to the drivers themselves, and the city won’t pursue payment from uninsured individuals. Carner said

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