The Borough Council of West Chester adopted its 2026 budget on Nov. 19 after a lengthy public hearing and council debate about how to fund rising emergency medical services costs.

Finance staff told the council the preliminary budget had been amended in committee and presented options: either leave the EMS funding inside the general-purpose millage (currently 8.09 mills) or create a separate EMS millage (staff estimated roughly 0.36 mills) that would legally restrict those dollars to EMS purposes. Finance staff and the solicitor said an ordinance would be required to create a distinct EMS tax; otherwise, the council could 'back into' an EMS figure within the general millage.

Councilmembers split on the approach. Supporters said a dedicated EMS millage would provide a steady, protected revenue stream amid rising costs: "We can't be putting a price on public safety," one councilmember said. Opponents warned that multiple specialty taxes risked "pigeonholing" revenue and reducing flexibility. The council also discussed a contracted commitment to Goodfellowship (a 3-year GVAC agreement) as part of the long-term funding picture.

During public comment, resident Lisa Kearns asked for a consolidated list of deferred capital projects and whether other large institutional EMS users would be asked to contribute. Chas Bergen, executive director and EMS chief at Goodfellowship, said the provider had asked institutions and that a longtime donor expected in 2024 had ceased support, reducing anticipated revenue by $350,000.

Councilmember (Speaker 6) moved to adopt the budget as presented; the motion passed on roll call with votes recorded as Miss Dorsey—Yes; Miss Vaccaro—Yes; Mister McGinnis—No; Mister Travis—Yes; Miss Simone—Yes; Mister McCoy—Yes; Mister Flynn—Absent. Finance staff confirmed a December hearing will consider a 3% wastewater/sewer-fee increase; direction to draft an EMS tax ordinance was deferred pending clearer council consensus and further information.