City, county officials discuss tax levy for EMS

The Daily Jeffersonian
·1 min read

Cambridge city officials recently met with Guernsey County Commissioners to discuss emergency medical service in the county and see how the two groups could work together to improve EMS county-wide.

Representing the city were Cambridge Fire Chief Jeff Deeks, Safety Director Rocky Hill and LawDirector Bill Ferguson.

Concern was expressed that United Ambulance has stretched its resources to the maximum andthat, for several years, the Cambridge Fire Department has served as a first responder withinCambridge and Cambridge Township to treat and stabilize until transport was available.

The EMS situation is further complicated by the limited availability of medically-trained volunteers tosupply ambulance service or serve as first responders in large sections of Guernsey County.Several ideas were discussed and all attendees agreed that any solution will necessitate funding via atax levy. It was also agreed that further discussion was needed soon and that representatives of thecounty’s volunteer fire community must be involved.

In other news, the county budget and fiscal director Brenda Mourer gave commissioners a snapshot of the county finances.

According to Mourer, the county has reached 2022's mid-point in a solid financial position withrevenues of $8,630,226, which totals 57.94% of what was estimated for the entire year. At thesame time, the county’s first half expenditures were less than expected. The total of $7,503,772was only 45.15% of the original 12-month spending estimate.

Revenues that exceeded estimates included reimbursement for indigent defense (+59%), localgovernment funds (+19.1%), sales tax (+2.7%), casino tax (+14.2%) and investment income(+22%).

Looking ahead to the year’s second half, Mourer anticipates expenditures will exceed income by just over $680,000. The difference will be covered by the county’s cash reserves.

Information supplied by the Guernsey County Commissioners.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: City, county officials discuss tax levy for EMS