Warren Scott AGREEMENT PENDING — After meeting Thursday with the Saline Township Trustees, representatives of the TEMS Joint Ambulance came away with an amended proposed contract that could lead to the ambulance service replacing the township’s emergency medical service provider.

HAMMONDSVILLE — Saline Township Trustees and representatives of the TEMS Joint Ambulance District have reached a tentative agreement that could result in the ambulance service providing emergency medical care to the township’s residents.

Following a nearly hour-long executive session with TEMS officials, the trustees suggested changes to a six-month contract proposed by the Toronto-based independent ambulance service.

TEMS Executive Director Clark Crago explained the contract’s term was limited to six months because funding for the Saline Township Emergency Medical Service is pending passage of a 6-mill levy in the Nov. 4 general election.

The levy is seen as a replacement for a 2.5 mill levy, up for renewal next year, that township officials say has failed to support the local EMS squad.

Township Trustee Ryan Holland said one reason is the loss of tax dollars from the W.H. Sammis Power Plant, which has been closed and is undergoing demolition.

If approved, the new levy would be a 3.5-mill increase from the present one, which would be terminated, he said.

If an agreement with TEMS is reached, those funds would go to the Toronto agency, which has provided mutual aid to the Saline Township EMS.

Crago said if the new levy is approved, TEMS will seek a longer term agreement with the township.

The tentative six-month agreement calls for TEMS to receive $90,000 from the current levy and all of the township EMS’ agreement, including two ambulances and power equipment used for lifting patients into the vehicles.

It was opposed by trustee Danny Householder, who had worked to establish the local EMS and said it seemed too much for the township to put up for the arrangement.

Householder said his vote was no reflection on the service TEMS has provided to the township.

The tentative agreement was supported by trustees Ryan Holland and Tyler Holland, who cited financial struggles faced by the township’s ambulance service.

Prior to the vote, Anthony Bailey, an emergency medical technician with Saline Township EMS, asked if the township will lose its equipment if the contract isn’t renewed.

Ryan Holland replied, “If we keep working the way we’re working, we’re out of money on Jan. 15.”

Prior to the meeting, Ryan Holland confirmed inadequate funding and a lack of staffing common with many area emergency departments have prevented the township from providing the 24-hour service that was intended when the current levy was introduced.

Crago said TEMS would provide 24-hour service with the ultimate goal of establishing a squad at the Knoxville fire station.

The tentative agreement is pending approval by TEMS’ board of directors, which is expected to call a special meeting for the matter, and a resolution that must be approved by the trustees at their next regular meeting on Oct. 16.

Pending that approval, TEMS’ service to Saline Township would begin at the start of the following day and the Saline Township EMS will be disbanded.

Crago said its members may apply for additional positions TEMS intends to add for its service to the township.

Following the meeting, Ryan Holland said the ability of the local EMS to continue to serve and face future expenses is a major concern.

He said one of the township’s two ambulances is a 2002 model and due for retirement while the other, though a 2023 model, has multiple mechanical issues.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Saline Township EMS Chief Caleb Gotschall, who told the trustees, “Our nose is sticking out of water. If a wave comes –”

Gotschall also advised them to notify areas of Brush Run and Ross townships that have been served by his squad.

The trustees invited a few residents to share their thoughts on the matter.

Donna Swartz said as a life-long resident, “I don’t want it (the local EMS) to end, but I’m also a realist.”

She and Rhonda Householder said they want local residents, especially senior citizens, to have access to timely emergency medical treatment.

Rhonda Householder said it’s important that local officials convey the importance of the new levy’s passage.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)