Will Bordentown EMS workers lose their jobs?

Nineteen emergency medical service (EMS) workers could lose their jobs if Bordentown Township implements a plan to privatize its shared ambulance service with Bordentown City.

Proponents say the change would help erase an operational deficit and possibly save money.

But township EMS employees have protested the possible outsourcing.

The township has received one bid after advertising for a service contract. But officials delayed action on a contract until its March 27 township committee meeting, pending further review and discussion with Bordentown City officials.

"All possibilities and scenarios are being considered. Unfortunately, this may include the prospect of laying off current employees," the township committee said in a prepared statement.

The request for proposal was made last summer, almost immediately after EMS employees unionized.

None of the 19 workers − five full-time and 14 part-time − have received layoff notices.

The township is the lead agency for the shared service, which currently operates from Hope Hose Humane Co. No. 1 fire and rescue station in Bordentown City. However, that may change because the fire company has voted against allowing a private contractor to use its Burlington Avenue station.

EMS employees criticize outsourcing

EMS employee Gene Zaiss told township committee he fears response times will suffer with a private contractor. He described how the local EMS unit saved his wife's life by responding within minutes after she was stricken by a stroke a couple of years ago.

EMS acting supervisor Jennifer Koeller, an 18-year employee, opposes privatization and layoffs.

She faulted the township's administration for not reaching out to her for facts and figures during its review of the EMS operation. Koeller also said she and the staff learned of the plan from the township website.

Koeller also wants to see more data about the unit's finances, especially in view of what she said are ongoing billing issues with a contractor handling service charges for some ambulance calls.

More:Bordentown humanitarian killed while helping people in Ukraine

Koeller and other employees also said they were never advised of the privatization study or of a potential layoff, which would require a 90-day notice to employees.

Township and city positions

Bordentown Township Committee said the shared service has lost money since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Officials at mid-year 2022 projected an annual budget deficit of $500,000. An updated figure was not immediately available.

The lone bid from a private contractor came from RWJ Barnabas Health of New Brunswick, which also provides EMS services for municipalities as far south as Ocean County. Township officials said there could be savings if the township awards the contract for three years at total bid cost of $1.4 million.

"It is important to note, again, that no final decision has been made and both municipalities continue to assess and explore all viable opportunities to keep our respective communities safe in the most efficient manner possible," the committee's statement said.

Longtime Bordentown City Public Safety Director James Lynch Jr. has accused some people of circulating "incorrect information" about the EMS situation. He's encouraged them to come to meetings or to contact him for factual information.

GoFundMe campaign

A GoFundMe page has been created to help pay for a mass mailing, flyers and and banners to raise awareness of the proposal's opposition.

As of Tuesday, it had raised about $600 toward a goal of $3,500.

Joint service agreements or contract services for operation of function like courts or EMS are not uncommon in South Jersey.

The longstanding Endeavor Emergency Squad began as local service in Burlington City but now also serves the Delaware riverfront towns of Burlington Township, Beverly, Edgewater Park and part of Springfield.

Burlington City Police Chief John Fine said a locally-based service like Endeavor with knowledge of the region, however, is preferable to out-of-area entities in providing private contractual service. "It does a great job and there has never been a break in service for the city," Fine added.

Carol Comegno loves telling stories about South Jersey life, history and military veterans for the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. If you have a story to share, call her at 856-486-2473 or email  ccomegno@gannettnj.com.

Support local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Why is Bordentown considering a private contractor for EMS services?