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West Chester council debates dedicated EMS tax, estimates $13 average household impact; refers proposal to finance committee
Summary
Council members debated a proposed dedicated public‑safety (EMS) tax that proponents say could yield roughly $298,000–$350,000 annually (an illustrative average of about $13 per household); opponents warned it would reduce budget flexibility and risk donor fatigue. The proposal was sent back to the finance committee for further study.
West Chester Borough Council spent much of its July 15 meeting debating whether to establish a dedicated public‑safety tax to support ambulance and EMS services.
Proponents said a small, targeted millage could create a predictable revenue stream for Goodfellowship Ambulance Company and related emergency services. One council member described the estimate range as roughly 0.38 to 0.45 mills, producing about $298,000 to $350,000 per year — an illustrative average impact of about $13 per household. "If we don't institute the tax... it has to be in its own silo," a proponent said, arguing the money would ensure consistent EMS funding and help planning.
Opponents cautioned that a dedicated tax can reduce budget flexibility and create a long‑term obligation. The council president suggested that earmarking revenue in a silo could hamper the borough's ability to respond to changing needs: "If we over fund it, we can't use it for anything else," she said. Some council members also warned that making the tax explicit might discourage private donations to EMS organizations; a resident who identified herself as a donor said she would stop donating if a tax replaced voluntary gifts.
Council discussed alternatives including separating an EMS line item within the general fund for transparency, asking Goodfellowship for stronger financial housekeeping, negotiating contract terms, and issuing a request for information (RFI) on ambulance service options. Questions raised included whether training and education at Goodfellowship's training center could be paid from the tax and how the tax would be applied across property types.
After extensive discussion, council voted to return the proposal to the finance committee for further analysis, modeling and consultation with Goodfellowship and the borough manager. The finance committee will test scenarios, assess contract terms and the legal and administrative implications of a dedicated millage and report back to council.
