×

Johnston to renew EMS pacts

Trustees to move forward with mutual aid to Gustavus, Kinsman

JOHNSTON –Township trustees plan to move forward next month on new mutual aid contracts to neighboring Gustavus and Kinsman, with the township seeking some fee increases in a new agreement with Vernon Township.

Johnston trustees at a special meeting Saturday met with  Gustavus and Kinsman officials about a new contract for emergency medical and ambulance services effective during 2017.

Johnston Trustee Chairman David Denman said his board is  scheduled to sign new agreements with Gustavus and Kinsman at the Dec. 12 meeting. Officials in Gustavus and Kinsman also plan to sign the new agreement at either at a regular December or year-end meeting.

Gustavus pays $36,000 annually and Kinsman $35,000 annually for the mutual aid service with Johnston. Kinsman pays $1,000 less because the township furnishes Johnston with an ambulance.

Johnston has had a contract with Gustavus for 10 years and with Kinsman for five years.

Johnston is scheduled to meet with Vernon trustees 9 a.m. Dec. 3 in Kinsman to go over proposed changes in the two townships’ agreement.

Johnston Fiscal Officer John Moran said the township currently has a ”piece-meal contract” with Vernon.

The proposal has Johnston getting $100 instead of $75  for canceled calls either enroute or at the scene.  A proposal to increase from $125 to $150 is on the table  for calls Johnston crews are helping at the scene of an auto accident or providing medication or handling a health issue for a resident. Another proposal on the table is for Vernon to pay $1,250 for a full-transport fee, up from $1,000, Moran said.

Moran said the cancellation fee is charged because a crew is tied up and unable to answer any other call at the time.

Moran said  paramedic assist calls will remain at $225.

Denman and Trustee Vice Chairman Dominic Marchese both agreed the fee increases are necessary because Johnston handles more mutual aid calls in Vernon than in any other township.

In another matter, Johnston trustees approved paying a $50,487 share  for the Corinth Court Road and bridge safety upgrade, a joint project with Vernon and Trumbull County for 2017. Moran said the Ohio Public Works Commission project is around $900,000 with grant funds to cover the remainder of costs.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today