Are the families of these Ore climbers going to reimburse the tax payers for the search?

Question

Climbing a mountain in December is a risk that should be borne by the climber and not the taxpayer.

Freedom to make choices is a good thing.
Accountability for ones actions is also a good thing.

Answer 1

While I agree with the sentiment that human life is more important than the bill, don't forget that rescuers ALSO risked THEIR lives to help these idiots.

And yes, some of those costs should be paid. It's unjust that the average taxpayer foot a bill for someone's irresponsibility. Perhaps if part of the bill is waiting for them, they'd think twice before climbing Mount Whatever in December.

Answer 2

If all the various agencies that assisted in the search (i.e., Park Service, Sheriff's Dept., Forest Service, other state and local governments) have regulations similar to those of the USDA Forest Service, then they will be specifically barred from billing survivors or survivor's estates to collect for search and rescue costs expended in their behalf. Sometimes it doesn't seem fair, but that's the way the rules are set up. Of course, it is possible that other agencies' rules DO allow for billing in search and rescue operations, but just because they bill doesn't mean the bill would ever actually get paid. My best guess is that if anything is paid by the searcher's families at all, it will be a minimal amount.

Answer 3

Old Money, lets see the climbers die, the family is distraught and you want to send them a bill for the search. Is your real name Scrooge?? You have yourself a very merry Christmas. Bah Humbug

Answer 4

If you were the climber, or a family member, would you pay for the search? Would you want your family to have to pay for it while trying to deal with your death?

Answer 5

Congratulations you live in a Socialistic Democratic Republic. That means that a portion of your taxes are intentionally set aside to pay for stupid people's mistakes.

Answer 6

Doubt it. Isn't that part of the job description for search and rescue? There are , no doubt other things they could be doing though.

Answer 7

That's why we have search and rescue teams, which are funded federally and by state money, usually bonds.

So you're saying that anyone who participates in risky activity does not deserve to be rescued?

Answer 8

maybe so, but all I gotta say to them climbers is "that's what ya get"

Answer 9

Stop being so grumpy & miserly u ole' Scrooge...
It's human beings!