ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — The Auditor of Ross County met in a meeting on Tuesday with County Commissioners and recommended a proposal that would keep life-saving ambulance care in Huntington Township, at least for now.
In a letter submitted by Ross County Auditor Robyn Brewster to the commission, she discussed how Huntington Township is on the brink of losing its EMS (HTEMS) ambulance coverage, and how lives are at risk.
“In recent weeks, Huntington Township has faced a budgetary crisis. Specifically, with their Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Service,” Brewster said. “It has been alleged by the trustees that their budget for the department’s operations for a 24/7 EMS is running out.”
In recent weeks, EMS coverage in the township went from 24/7 coverage to sometimes not having anyone on station at all; such as the case over the weekend when five people were hurt in a crash less than a half-mile from the fire department with no one around to respond. It took nearly a half-hour for three ambulances to get there from other parts of the county.
The numbers.
“As I look over current and past finances of the township, I can see that the primary funding for the EMS service has been from a grant that the township received a few years ago. That grant is coming to end this year, so it puts the service that many have come reliant upon in jeopardy. The township has [re]applied for the grant; however, they have not yet been awarded such grant.”
In 2021, HTEMS made 1,047 ambulance runs, according to a public records request. The year prior, the number was 948.
Earlier last month, the township trustees and their fiscal officer submitted a new levy to be certified for November: an additional 1 mill, which would be about $35 per $100,000 home valuation — and generate just under $80,000 more a year. The township already has a renewal levy on the ballot for November, but the two should not be confused.
The best way Captain T.J. Oyer of the fire department could explain it was, “the renewal levy is essential to fund daytime coverage, and the newly-proposed levy would be for nighttime and weekend coverage. If both pass, we would be back to 24/7 coverage. One is a simple renewal, so it is not any more money than what is being brought in now.”
Why this is important.
In Brewster’s letter to the commissioners, she recommended that the county discuss a loan or perhaps even a gift of money to the township to aid them until the citizens can vote on a levy measure in November.
“In a township that has a populated school, major highways, and an aging elderly population, along with new families and young children, we cannot allow such a service to go bankrupt; at least not without the voters having their say,” she said. “The people who live in the township, including the thousands of people who travel along routes 23 and 772 on a daily basis, are facing deadly consequences from the decision of three people. In the end, this decision should be left up to the voters to decide. This is their home, their families, and their lives.”
The Auditor said that the county had more than $9 million sitting at its disposal and that less than $200,000 would be needed to sustain EMS operations until the end of the year. She said the money could be gifted to the township or could be a loan paid back at 0% over time. Brewster was stern and said that she is not pro-tax or anti-tax on this issue. She said this was about keeping things status quo until the people have their say in November.
The Commissioners buck the proposal.
The County Commissioners were quick to point out flaws in Brewster’s plan, throwing out negatives and excuses as to why it could not work.
“In the past, when we have loaned money to townships, and it was for road projects. It was loans and it was paid back. The township has not come to us and asked for this help,” replied Commissioner Jim Lowe.
Commissioner Doug Corcoran said that he wasn’t ready to doll out money.
“There are several townships that are struggling for EMS and we cannot afford to fund them all. And, if we do this, I’m sure there’s going to be others that come asking.”
The commissioners also hinted at a countywide EMS being created, which would take a couple of years to implement.
Stressing that this was an emergency before them today, Brewster was quick to fire back. She said that the money could be a loan — not a gift, paid back if the levy passes — and in comparison to what the county has at its disposal, the money exists and it can be done without issue.
“As elected officials, we should know it is not appropriate to play God and have a single say regarding life-saving care to the more than 6,000 citizens who live in Huntington Township, tens of thousands of motorists, and surrounding township citizens that live in, near, or visit the Township each day. That decision should be left up to the voters, and solely the voters to decide at the ballot box. It is the people’s money, the people’s health, and the people’s care. The decision to continue – or discontinue EMS service is the ‘people’s decision’ and we must give them the opportunity to express it.”
The commissioners said they would “mull” over the proposal and give it consideration.
EMS members are thankful and hope for the best.
While the levy will be on the November ballot, members of the fire department expressed their appreciation for the proposal made by the Auditor.
“It means a lot knowing that Auditor Brewster is seeing that we have a problem and she is offering a potential solution to help us out. Because at the end of the day it is about taking care of our citizens,” said Oyer. “She is also recognizing that we are an asset in helping the rest of the county, as well. We are glad that we are getting some positive press out there. We are starting to get the attention we need to take care of our citizens. People outside of the township are recognizing that we are struggling and trying to help.”
Huntington Township Trustees meet again this Thursday in their regularly scheduled meeting. On Saturday, the fire department will hold its annual fish fry starting at 10 a.m.
To read the Auditor’s letter, click here.