A paid EMS Authority served by the consolidation of Eureka Community Ambulance in Tarentum and Citizens Hose EMS in Harrison remains “a ways off,” according to some local officials.
The idea, floated last year as a solution for the nationwide EMS funding crisis, would see member municipalities sharing the costs of emergency services.
It was expected to be in place by Jan. 1.
It still could be, depending on which municipalities sign on.
“We want to go through the entire process of meeting with everyone so we can compare the options to serve our community,” East Deer Commissioner Tony Taliani said.
The EMS Authority is sought as a permanent funding solution in the wake of dismal insurance reimbursements and limited help from local, state and federal agencies.
East Deer has met regularly with Harrison, Tarentum and Brackenridge to determine cost, bylaws and other guidelines but final cost estimates have yet to be revealed.
Taliani said the township is also considering a proposal for coverage by Lower Valley Ambulance Service.
“We have to see what each of them can offer,” Taliani said. “The authority isn’t finalized, but it is still progressing.”
Next up is a meeting in November for all elected officials from potential member communities and then a public input session.
Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf said the public meeting will provide residents and stakeholders with a chance to provide feedback before any formal action is taken.
“Each phase of this process is deliberate and depends on maintaining sufficient consensus to continue progressing,” he said.
There is potential for Fawn and Frazer to join the authority but both municipalities are holding out for cost estimates.
Fawn Secretary Pam Ponsart said she’s not received any information on what a bill would look like if the township joined the authority.
“The supervisors will look at the numbers once they are official,” Ponsart said. “Until then, we’re keeping with Eureka and we’ll make a decision when we have to.”
