Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears plea to promote EMS fundraiser after $130,000 unexpected construction cost; responders' dispatch rules discussed
Summary
Township officials were asked to promote a Pocono Mountain Regional EMS fundraiser and consider non-taxpayer fundraising after the EMS reported a $130,000 unanticipated sprinkler-system cost; the board also discussed subscription programs and regional ambulance dispatch and response-time constraints.
A board member urged Barrett Township to promote and, if appropriate, support the Pocono Mountain Regional EMS fundraising event on Aug. 27, saying the EMS is building a new facility but has an unexpected $130,000 sprinkler-system expense.
"They just had a $130,000 unexpected cost that they didn't have in the bid because now they're required a certain type of sprinkler system," the presenter said while asking the township to publicize the regional roundup fundraiser and encouraging board members to attend.
The presenter also recommended the township promote EMS subscription enrollment (noted in the meeting as $85 annually) to offset out-of-pocket ambulance costs for households and support EMS revenue. Board members suggested buying a table with privately raised funds rather than public money if the township opts to be visible at the fundraiser.
Discussion turned to response times and dispatch control. The presenter reported an average response time of about 18 minutes for a nearby station but noted that regional call-center dispatching can pull local units to other areas. In response to a question about local ambulances, a board member clarified that when a township ambulance is dispatched by the regional 911 center, it is obligated to respond to the call irrespective of local preference.
Board members said continued outreach, promotion and fact‑finding with the EMS and call center are needed to address funding and response concerns; no formal action was taken at the workshop.
