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Local EMS agencies warn of funding shortfalls; Bally Ambulance urges emergency services tax or other stable revenue
Summary
Bally Community Ambulance Association reported lower call volumes and operating shortfalls, estimated daily staffing cost of $1,462.81 per ambulance in 2023, and recommended options including an emergency services tax, per‑household donations, or per‑call donations; Bally received a $90,000 OSFC low‑interest reimbursement loan for a remounted ambulance.
Michael B. Groff, Chief of Operations for Bally Community Ambulance Association, presented September statistics and a year‑to‑date summary showing 125 calls in September and 1,078 calls YTD. He described operational costs and the funding gap: "In 2023, it cost $1,462.81 a day to staff one ambulance," he wrote, and noted ambulance billing revenue falls well short of annual expenses.
Groff outlined possible funding solutions that municipal partners could consider, including an emergency services tax (up to 0.5 mill), per‑household donations, or per‑call donations — while noting per‑call donations are difficult to budget because call volume is variable. He also reported Bally has applied for and will receive a low‑interest OSFC loan of $90,000 as reimbursement for a remounted ambulance, submitted a final report for a $15,000 OSFC grant for debt reduction, and applied for a 2024/25 grant to cover a replacement stair chair ($5,000) and fuel reimbursement ($10,000). The township issued an RFP for EMS services on Oct. 11 with returns due Nov. 14.
