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GACAS leaders report bookkeeping fixes and audits but say full‑time chief may be unaffordable
Summary
GACAS officials told Douglass Township supervisors they have hired a third‑party bookkeeper, reduced credit‑card users, instituted deposit controls, and are undergoing an audit, but several GACAS members said a full‑time ambulance chief and benefits package are likely unaffordable under current finances.
Representatives of the Gilbertsville Area Community Ambulance Service (GACAS) updated the Douglass Township Board of Supervisors on Sept. 4 on steps taken to strengthen financial controls, bookkeeping and staffing, while warning that hiring a full‑time ambulance chief may not be financially viable in the near term.
GACAS Vice President Jessica Geisinger said the organization hired a neutral third‑party bookkeeper who produced the last three months of reports in a timely manner and that credit‑card access has been limited to two users. She said Asst. Chief Kim Brant now handles bank deposits and a night deposit process has been instituted. An outside auditor is on site, Geisinger said, and she expects an audit draft by Sept. 20 and completion of the audit by the end of February next year.
Township Treasurer Cynthia O'Donnell told the meeting she prefers transactions be recorded in real time rather than only when payments clear the bank; she and the auditor plan to review journal entries and 2022 balance issues in follow‑up meetings.
On staffing, Interim Chief Angela Erb said the roster is short one medic but generally stable; she said she cannot serve as full‑time chief because she holds a full‑time job elsewhere. GACAS senior medic (identified in the meeting as Mr. Neveil) told supervisors that the organization’s coverage model is under strain: many cover calls produce no payment and vehicle wear increases costs. Several GACAS board members warned that the budget is tight — Supervisor Don Bergstresser noted he and GACAS leaders saw limited wiggle room in the 2025 draft budget — and that offering an insurance/benefits package for a full‑time chief would be a major expense.
Township leaders said they want strong management and board oversight to protect taxpayer investment and ensure operational performance. The board and several GACAS speakers discussed by‑law compliance, whether employees should serve on the GACAS board and access to personnel files; GACAS said training files are being separated and that the chief currently has personnel‑file access.
No formal township action was taken on replacing GACAS; the board later approved a motion (2–0, 1 abstention) authorizing the manager to draft an RFP as a contingency plan.
The special meeting concluded without public comment. The board rescheduled its next meeting to Sept. 23, 2024.
