EMS personnel Jeremy Houchin and
Janet Gherke at Mount Zion station
By Bob Weaver
The local Emergency Services Levy is up for renewal, with no increase in the rate to county taxpayers.
Calhoun EMS director Josh Johnson says the passage of the levy is essential to the operation of ambulance service from the county's two stations at Mt. Zion and Minnora.
In 2004 Calhoun voters renewed the levy with 83.73 percent of the voters in favor of the initiative. That was with a special election with very low turnout.
Voter approval of the levy has had its' ups and downs, and has been defeated by voters, who later changed their mind with a re-run of the initiative when it was clear the services would be discontinued.
Johnson says Emergency Medical personnel in Calhoun work for sub-standard wages, with few benefits.
"The monthly cost of the levy to most taxpayers is less than one meal at a restaurant," he said, "Calhoun EMS has a history of responding and delivering service, but without the levy money, it won't continue."
The five-year-levy provides some funding to the county's three fire departments, ambulance service, law enforcement and other emergency services.
"The costs of providing the service, equipment, gasoline and personnel are ever increasing," said Johnson.
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 a piece of the pie.
He says ambulance services are paying more for health insurance, salaries, equipment, and workers compensation coverage, while resources are stagnant.
Lynch says rural ambulance services like Calhoun EMS are at the highest risk.
The county's fire departments are struggling with operational costs, equipment replacement and a lack of volunteers who have time to dedicate to the service.
Still, they have been dutiful responders when problems occur.
Johnson said "We hope you remind your neighbor of the importance of the levy to our citizens."
The levy requires 60% approval.
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