HAMMONDSVILLE — The TEMS Joint Ambulance District could extend its emergency medical care to Saline Township, an area officials say has suffered from a lack of funding and staffing for that service.

Clark Crago, executive director of the independent Toronto-based ambulance service, confirmed its board of directors unanimously supported the move at a special meeting on Sunday evening.

But he noted it still must be approved by the Saline Township Trustees, who are slated to consider it at their next meeting at 2 p.m. today.

Called for comment, Township Trustee Ryan Holland said representatives of TEMS are expected to share information with the panel then.

But he confirmed a lack of funding and staffing for the Saline Township Emergency Medical Services squad will weigh heavily in the trustees’ decision.

Holland said the township has experienced a major drop in revenue with the closing of the W.H. Sammis Power Plant, a source of revenue that had been factored into a 2.5-mill levy for the Saline Township EMS that is up for renewal next year.

To counteract that loss, a 6-mill replacement levy has been placed on ballot in the Nov. 4 general election.

If a contract is signed with TEMS, the Toronto ambulance service is expected to receive those funds, while the Saline Township squad would be disbanded.

Holland confirmed financial and staffing issues halted plans for the local squad to provide 24-hour coverage.

He said if an agreement is reached, he would like to see TEMS establish a squad at the Knoxville fire station to ensure speedy response to calls in the township.

The Saline Township EMS has served a 66-square-mile area, including the village of Irondale, with about 1,400 residents, as well as adjacent areas of Brush Creek and Ross townships through mutual aid agreements.

Holland said TEMS has provided backup services to the township and has built a relationship with local officials.

“TEMS has a very big service and a very good service,” he said.

Holland said he wants all township residents to have easy access to emergency medical care, but he’s especially concerned about its older population.

Noting the Prime Time Office on Aging delivers meals to about 145 seniors there, he said, “Those are the people we have to make sure the EMS is right for.”

“We’re trying to provide the best service for our residents,” said Holland.