Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
1998 will likely be a historic year for Syracuse's EMS service.
After nearly two dozen years of surviving without tax support, the emergency medical service will make the change next year.
Syracuse Town Council President Barb Carwile proposed a moderate change that was unanimously supported by colleagues Tuesday during preliminary 1998 budget hearings.
Council agreed to establish a 2-cent tax for Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township EMS.
Very, very few EMS agencies in Indiana operate without tax support, according to fire chief Jerry Byrd.
The 2-cent tax will generate about $8,000 for 1988. Next year, the rate would climb to 4 cents.
The EMS budget proposed for 1988 is about $81,000.
Even with the tax support, the agency would receive far less tax support than most other agencies.
Town manager Matt Vigneault said he has been told that many EMS budgets are as much as 25 to 50 percent tax-based.
Byrd said the service is able to collect about 80 percent of its bills from ambulance runs. That level, compared to area standards, is good, he said.
In another memorable change, the EMS will upgrade its status to paramedic service probably by the first of the year. Byrd said training needed to make the change continues on schedule.
The change will likely allow the agency to make calls for other agencies lacking paramedic qualifications instead of relying on other agencies to perform it locally. The change could help generate more income, Vigneault said.
In a related issue, council member William Cutter suggested the city investigate whether a contractual arrangement for EMS services might be more feasible. Under such an agreement, a private firm would provide EMS services.
Byrd made it clear he doesn't support that type of change, but said he would investigate if ordered. Private contracts for EMS often result in poor service, loss of control and higher costs, he said.
Cutter said he was unsure whether the change would benefit the town, but said they should at least look at the option.
Council reviewed most department budgets Tuesday night and gave preliminary approval to all budgets with only minor changes. Council will further review the proposals at next Tuesday's monthly meeting.
Among the budgets approved was parks, which is seeking a 10 percent raise for superintendent Susan Neff. Park board president Bill Wight spoke on her behalf, explaining that her salary is substantially too low. If Neff would choose to leave, the town would likely have to boost the position salary $8,000 to $10,000 to hire a replacement.
After lengthy debate, council approved the hike. Neff currently receives $19,923. The hike would elevate her salary to $21,915 in 1998.
