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Nether Providence approves MOU to explore joint emergency‑medical authority; initial legal funding discussed
Summary
The board voted 6–0 to adopt a memorandum of understanding joining a multi‑municipal working group to investigate forming a joint emergency medical services authority; staff reported retaining Ben Reed as proposed counsel and discussed estimated legal costs and Nether Providence’s initial $17,000 contribution toward a higher‑end estimate.
The Nether Providence Township Board voted to adopt a memorandum of understanding joining participating municipalities in a working group to investigate forming a joint municipal authority to provide emergency medical services.
A township presenter summarized recent working‑group work and recommended retaining attorney Ben Reed, who has experience forming similar authorities. The presenter said Reed’s prior engagements suggested high‑end legal setup costs of about $49,000 the first time and $31,000 for subsequent efforts; because the township expects to work with counsel remotely, the presenter said Nether Providence’s initial conservative contribution would be $17,000, representing roughly a 36 percent share based on 2020 census allocations.
"We anticipate that given his increased experience and his lack of drive time, our estimated cost will be significant," the presenter said when describing the rationale for the proposed counsel and the proposed funding split.
After discussion the board moved to adopt the memorandum of understanding; the motion was seconded and the board approved it by voice vote with six in favor and no opposition. The presenter said other participating municipalities had either formally approved or indicated general consensus and that staff requested counsel to notify the working group when expenditures approached $15,000 so municipalities could decide whether to contribute additional funds.
The action authorizes Nether Providence to participate in the multi‑municipal working group and to contribute toward the working group’s initial legal work. Commissioners said they expect further updates as the working group advances work on structure, funding models and potential grant offsets for startup costs.
