A paid EMS Authority to serve Brackenridge, East Deer, Harrison and Tarentum could be in effect by January.
That’s the most recent update from an exploratory committee tasked with researching the agency for the past year. Their hope is to solve the local EMS funding crisis that mimics struggles of departments nationwide.
“It’s a long way out, but it’s reasonable,” East Deer Commissioner Tony Taliani said. “I’m not ready to vote on it today, but it’s been progressing very well.
“We’re all looking for the same thing — a long-term, permanent solution.”
If approved, the EMS Authority would operate like a water or sewage authority with costs split among participating municipalities.
Brackenridge, East Deer, Harrison and Tarentum officials have participated in regular discussions; Fawn and Frazer both have said they will consider the move when costs are finalized.
“We haven’t discussed it lately,” Frazer Supervisor and Secretary Lori Ziencik said. “You never know.”
Residents would be served by a merger of Citizens Hose EMS and Eureka Community Ambulance, both of which have served the Alle-Kiski Valley for 89 years.
Eureka responds to more than 2,300 calls a year in Tarentum, Brackenridge, East Deer, Fawn and Frazer.
Citizens EMS, based in Harrison, responds to about 1,500 calls a year and makes 1,200 transports.
“We are working hard to come up with the long-term solution to the problems that have plagued EMS for decades,” Citizens EMS Supervisor Jim Erb said.
The steering committee comprises dedicated and educated people who are trying to do what’s best for the communities, he said.
“I’m glad to be included and look forward to the next steps in this process,” Erb said. “I believe we will be able to make this happen with the communities’ support to better serve the medical needs of our residents.”
Financial struggles have become the norm for EMS agencies across the country. Inconsistent funding from local, state and federal sources, combined with low insurance reimbursements of between 30% to 60%, have stressed many EMS groups to the point of closure.
Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf, steering committee chair, said the group will continue to meet, review data and solicit feedback.
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There are other funding models available, Erb said, but he feels the authority model being evaluated is the best option locally.
The four municipalities involved to date have paid the costs for a consultant to help finalize recommendations.
Total costs of up to $32,500 were split based on population, with the share by Brackenridge at $5,400, East Deer at $2,500, Harrison at $17,100 and Tarentum at $7,300.
The costs cover up to 50 hours of specialized consulting work.
Fawn Treasurer/Secretary Pam Ponsart said supervisors will consider the commitment “when the time comes.”
“Right now we’re still with Eureka for the year,” she said.
Each community that signs on will have representation on the authority board, Taliani said.
“I think the meetings have been going well, and there’s a lot of cooperation,” he said. “But we also need to be cognizant of what would be most fiscally sound for taxpayers.”