Dear Editor:
(In response to ‘Atlas and Groveland to ink ambulance deal for township,’The Citizen, page 1, Aug. 2)
First, we have no plans, or ever did, to ‘ink? a deal with Atlas Township for ambulance service.
The article correctly states that we did get licensed in Genesee to make everything legal. Genesys Hospital is our closest hospital and we take our emergency runs there. Since we transport in Genesee, we felt it appropriate to become licensed in the county.
There is no extra staffing or equipment for runs to Atlas Township. Therefore, we are likely to have very few runs as we keep staffing to cover Groveland Township. We are under contract with Holly Village and they also pay for the staffing.
Groveland Township did not pass a millage for ambulance service that generates $1.5 million. The fire department millage is the same 3.5 mills it was when the department started in 1970. It generates approximately $820,000 annually. The balance of the budget comes from outside the township, through cost recovery and ambulance fees. The total budget is approximately $1,250,000 and, therefore, 34 percent of our total budget does not come from the taxpayers in Groveland Township.
While we may occasionally pick up an accident victim across the township line, we may not always have adequate staffing and, therefore, cannot guarantee coverage. Our first priority is Groveland Township and Holly Village, through our respective contracts.
For Atlas to have a guaranteed service level would also require additional staffing, equipment and a contract.
I hope this information clears up any confusion of the facts.
Robert DePalma, Supervisor
Groveland Township