By: Mat Cloak
The Parsons Advocate
Commissioner Moore reads proclamation with the retired teachers behind him.
The majority of the almost two hour-long Commission meeting on September 27 consisted of a debate surrounding the EMS fee. David Leary began the debate by presenting a petition signed by 1,500 residents who oppose the fee. “I’m not against the fee, I’m against the way it was done,” Leary said.
Leary, and others who spoke, believe the fee does not resolve the problems that persist with EMS services in the county. The Commission and concerned citizens both agreed that the EMS problem in the county has persisted for almost two decades. “It’s been a long, long problem,” Commission President Lowell Moore said.
While there were moments when specific issues and solutions were discussed, much of the public debate was argumentative; some even resorted to name calling and threats. One individual was escorted out of the meeting.
Specific issues raised with Tucker County EMS included EMS personnel being unfit and poorly trained, long EMS wait times, and a recent wage raise to EMS personnel. The system for distributing fee notices was also criticized for its ineffectiveness.
Many residents were disgruntled that non-residents who use EMS services do not pay a fee for those services. If non-residents pay for lodging in the area, a portion of the hotel motel tax they pay subsidizes volunteer fire department and EMS services. Non-resident business and property owners are also assessed a fee.
While many came to the meeting specifically to voice opposition, some spoke in favor of the fee. Debbie Moore was one of those in favor, because she sees EMS services as “an assurance.”
The Commission cited two independent studies that were conducted to help them arrive at their decision to implement the fee. “Public safety is paramount, and we need to make sure we have the resources,” Commissioner Diane Hinkle said.
Citizens raised concern over being assessed a fee without using the service. “The county has to provide an EMS service for every person in the county,” Prosecuting Attorney Ray LaMora said. “So even if you haven’t actually used that service, you’re benefitting from the knowledge that that service is going to be here and help you out if anything happens.”
Before the debate ensued, the meeting began with the Commission recognizing retired school employees by declaring September 25 through September 30 as Retired School Employees Week.
Prosecuting Attorney LaMora reported two recent arrests related to the string of breaking and entering incidents. LaMora reported the Kerens murder investigation is ongoing and is bound over to the grand jury. “It’s been an active few weeks on the criminal side,” LaMora said.
Sandy Frank, Corey Chase, and Titus Helmick were appointed to the Development Authority Board.
A total of $10,869.77 in payments was approved.
The Commission urged all those eligible to vote in favor of the road bond referendum on Saturday, October 7, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The next commission meeting will be on Wednesday, October 11, at 9 a.m. in the Tucker County Courthouse Courtroom.
