Future still uncertain for EMS contract between city, townships

Townships that have contracted with the city of Hillsboro for fire and emergency medical services say they will continue to utilize the EMS services of Hillsboro Fire and Rescue, unless the city declines to provide EMS services through the end of 2011 at no extra charge. 

According to a joint statement released by area township trustees titled, "Area townships uncertain what Hillsboro city EMS will bring for years beginning 2012,"  the trustees of area townships, Hamer, Jackson, Liberty, New Market, Paint, Penn and Washington, "have been examining the emergency medical services (EMS) charges submitted to them by Hillsboro Safety Director Ralph Holt. Townships had proposed a 12 percent increase over 2010 rates, and the city of Hillsboro made a counter proposal of 18 percent over the 2010 fire contract rate and providing EMS services until June 1, 2011. After that date, the city will charge the township $637 for each EMS run. The townships have agreed to the 18 percent increase in 2011 for the fire contract only provided however that the city of Hillsboro continue to provide EMS services to the townships at no extra charge through and including Dec. 21, 2011."

The city of Hillsboro has scheduled a special council meeting to discuss the pending contract with the townships, and the extension of FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) and IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) contracts. The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday at council chambers in the fire station, 204 North East St.

"The common consensus amongst the seven affected townships is that during the 2011 November general election that they will need to amend current levy language to allow by law for the collection of tax revenue that would enable the townships to collect for EMS services," the trustees said in the release. "Furthermore, the townships may need to increase the millage rate up to 2.0 mills or greater in certain townships to cover for the additional fee changes to the fire rates currently being approved by the townships for 2011, and in addition to the EMS levies that may be passed in November 2011, certain townships may have a total gross adjusted fire and EMS levy rate of 4.0 mills or higher for year 2012. " 

Highland County Prosecutor Jim Grandey, legal counsel for the townships, has said that the Ohio Revised Code prohibits townships from paying for EMS services with funds from a levy designated solely for fire services, and that unless the townships are given time to bring the matter before taxpayers, they will not be able to pay for the services. Previous contracts between the city and townships have been for fire services only, not EMS services, even though the city does EMS runs as well. A primary election is not anticipated for next year, so the first time the matter would appear on the ballot in the townships is the in 2011 general election. Township officials have said a special election would be too expensive for their funds. 

"Currently the affected townships are conducting an inquiry into EMS protection after the expiration of EMS services that are currently being provided from the Hillsboro fire department," according to the release. "Several area ambulatory services including E.A.S.T., LifeCare and Rural Metro have agreed to meet and discuss the option of being a stopgap for services pending approval of the creation of a joint township fire district should the townships choose not to continue services as currently provided through the city of Hillsboro's fire and rescue."

The townships have previously said that they are satisfied with the services Hillsboro Fire and Rescue provides, but they cannot afford the costs. 

"The area township trustees are committed to serving their constituents in the best fiscal manner and to provide safe and experienced fire and life protection services to the residents of Highland County," the trustees said.