SFD companies, chiefs ask for funding increase from borough; EMS asking first due for stipend
SHENANDOAH – The Shenandoah Fire Department requested a funding increase for its companies and chiefs from borough council, and Shenandoah Community Ambulance is asking for funding from its first due municipalities.
Rick Examitas, borough fire chief and president of the ambulance association, sent letters to council requesting the funding.
The department’s five companies, their chiefs, and the borough fire chief currently receive funding from the borough. Each company receives $2,650 a year, the chief receives $1,000 a year, and each company chief receives $600 a year.
Examitas asked for an increase of $850 a year for each company and $200 a year for each chief.
“The Department appreciates everything we currently receive, however, with every station’s expenses increasing and the current economy, we would greatly benefit from an increase in our annual allotments,” Examitas wrote. “Additionally, we ask that you review the salaries of our Fire Chief and Assistant Chiefs as they have not seen an increase in quite awhile.”
He said the request would add $5,450 to the borough budget, “a nominal request.”
Examitas also requested funding on behalf of the ambulance association, also citing rising costs and a growing coverage area as other ambulance associations have merged or closed.
In the letter, he said the ambulance has begun expanding their paid staff and estimate they will respond to 4,000 calls a year.
Rising costs, including a $12,100 hike in station and vehicle insurance costs over the past two renewals, are taking a toll, he said.
“All of this occurs without our organization seeing an increase in the reimbursable amounts for services rendered,” Examitas wrote. “Our primary population served are covered by government insurance (Medicare or Medicaid) who have fixed rates for reimbursement that have not increased to keep up with the expenses.”
He said the ambulance regularly applies for grants to cover their costs, and many are awarded, but most cannot be used for day-to-day expenses.
“What I think you should do is let Tony [Sajone, borough manager,] sit down, when he’s figuring out his budget, and see what’s going on before any of you make a decision,” Mayor Andrew Szczyglak suggested.
Council tabled the matter until next month, when the budget is considered.
Shenandoah Ambulance is sending a similar request to the municipalities in their primary coverage area, including West Mahanoy Township and the Ringtown Valley.
The request is on Tuesday night’s agenda at West Mahanoy.
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