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RURAL AMBULANCE SQUADS IN JEOPARDY - Calhoun EMS Needs Levy Money |
| (10/30/2008) |
| By Bob Weaver The local Emergency Services Levy is up for renewal. A five-year-levy, which is up for renewal this year, provides some funding to the county's fire departments, ambulance service, law enforcement and other emergency services. Calhoun EMS Director Josh Johnson says the levy is the source of income to operate two 24/7 ambulance stations in the county, with the only other source through client billing. "The costs of providing the service, equipment, gasoline and personnel are ever increasing," said Johnson. Johnson said "The levy is vitally important to our maintaining services in Calhoun," indicating that the county's three fire departments have some additional funding streams through the State of WV. "The fire departments are highly dependent on levy funds," Johnson said. State officials say several of the 180 ambulance services in West Virginia are facing what they are calling "drastic times." The Ambulance Association of West Virginia says small rural ambulance services may have to shutdown because of the rising costs and little change in the reimbursements they get from providers. State Association President Joe Lynch says the combined increases in costs are "creating a disaster for EMS." Lynch says the increase in fuel costs is just the start. He says ambulance services are paying more for health insurance, salaries, equipment, and workers compensation coverage, while resources are stagnant. Lynch is predicting that some smaller ambulance operations could stop their runs before the end of summer. He says the rural ambulance services like Calhoun EMS are at the highest risk unless they maintain a steady funding source.
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