Taxing district for Rotterdam ambulance makes most sense
I have been following the REMS (Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services) debate and starting to see this as a political issue in the upcoming election. I was a volunteer driver for REMS before they disbanded the volunteers and went completely paid. I don’t object to their decision with going completely paid. In today’s emergency services world, there’s always a call going on — 24/7, 365 days a year. Sometimes this becomes too much for the volunteers, including those who work two jobs, own a home and are raising a family. With this fact known, it makes complete sense to have an allpaid staff of EMTs (emergency medical technicians) and paramedics. Yes, there are costs involved with supporting a paid staff, insurance and other bills. But this is worth it, because there is always a fully-staffed ambulance(s) ready to meet the community needs. It would make sense to have a taxing district for an ambulance agency like REMS. I can’t see having a private ambulance service, like Mohawk, whose reputation isn’t the best in the area (i.e. texting while driving [Jan. 30 Times Union], crashing an ambulance with a patient on board [Jan. 10 Gazette]) and wouldn’t provide the near-perfect service that REMS provides both Rotterdam and Princetown now. I witnessed the Rotterdam Town Board meeting when the subject of having a tax district to REMS was brought up. [Supervisor Steve] Tommasone, [Councilman] Joe Signore and two other board members supported having a tax district for REMS, while [Councilman John] Mertz voted against it. Mertz’ alternative would risk the lives of the community by bringing in Mohawk. He isn’t looking out for what’s best for the community. The supervisor and three town board members care about the community by supporting REMS. To the Rotterdam and Princetown communities, make the right choice by supporting the candidates and plan to create a taxing district for REMS, to help keep ourselves safe.
TIMOTHY J. GAFFNEY JR. Rotterdam The writer is a former South Schenectady and Carman volunteer firefighter.
Timmy, the people who are against the creation of a taxing district for rems are not against rems. The people who are against the creation of a taxing district, just want rems to become a viable private business just like mohawk as to not create any cost to the taxpayers. If mohawk or any other private business can do it....why can't rems?
We hear that it will only cost $16 bucks per year...right now! But add that on to our already increasing taxes and fees. The proposed better bottle bill, new licenses, the ever increasing mandates that are going up and adding to our tax burden, like the county keeps telling us. It appears that we are being nickeled and dimed to death.
When do we reach the point and say enough? When we have the opportunity to say 'enough' or 'no' to an increase in taxes....we should say 'NO', loud and clear.
Remember...this isn't against rems....it's all about higher taxes.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Timmy, the people who are against the creation of a taxing district for rems are not against rems. The people who are against the creation of a taxing district, just want rems to become a viable private business just like mohawk as to not create any cost to the taxpayers. If mohawk or any other private business can do it....why can't rems?
We hear that it will only cost $16 bucks per year...right now! But add that on to our already increasing taxes and fees. The proposed better bottle bill, new licenses, the ever increasing mandates that are going up and adding to our tax burden, like the county keeps telling us. It appears that we are being nickeled and dimed to death.
When do we reach the point and say enough? When we have the opportunity to say 'enough' or 'no' to an increase in taxes....we should say 'NO', loud and clear.
Remember...this isn't against rems....it's all about higher taxes.
I’ll speak up on this matter …again. I’ve made my case previously known but it bears repeating.
A. I support REMS remaining as our ambulance provider under the right conditions. B. I DO NOT support a tax district to accomplish that objective.
REMS, by all appearances, has been working hard to sort out their financial woes. I applaud that and hope it continues. But to create a new, PERMANENT, tax district to PERMANENTLY fund a currently financially shaky organization discourages efforts to better manage financial affairs. On a pure financial evaluation, it doesn’t make solid financial sense. (In plain language, does it mean that if they continue to mismanage financial affairs, the tax created can be raised annually? That’s a rhetorical question, by the way.)
IF there were no other alternatives, perhaps the argument for a tax district, even under these circumstances, could be argued sensibly. Thankfully, we have other alternatives.
We currently, as a community, have decided that REMS provides a vital public safety service and have provided financial assistance through the General Fund. Yes, of course, that’s your tax dollar. But it is a reallocation of your CURRENT tax dollar, not a new tax. IF, as a community, we are in agreement that REMS provides a VITAL, NECESSARY function, then General Fund assistance is an appropriate approach. That approach certainly provides better accountability for our tax dollar than a new tax district would. It also allows for quicker financial adjustments to be made if necessary whereas tax district creation could tie our hands a bit.
For now, I like the General Fund approach. In the longer term, I’d prefer to see REMS become self-sufficient, however.
There is also the privatization option. At the very least, it needs to be considered and explored. That’s called due diligence. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this option, as there are with each of the options. Rarely are things “perfect.”
Back to the tax district…as we know, the candidates behind advocating for the creation of a new tax district have pulled back a bit by saying that the issue would now go before the public in the form of a referendum. That is a good development. From what I and the other No New Tax Party candidates have heard on doorsteps is that PEOPLE CAN’T AFFORD ANOTHER TAX! I personally won’t support one. Now the people will at least get a chance to vote either way.
There’s a lot of fear being peddled by some with regard to this issue. Don’t be afraid. REMS does and is doing a great job for us. I’m confident we’ll figure out the best approach without compromising public safety or creating a new tax district.
Or...maybe Mohawk is the answer....maybe one of the ambulances will get lost going to one of the developments on the west side of town when they are coming from Schenectady because some young kid gets hit by a car while riding his bike (hint hint Albany .....and maybe the dispatcher will tell them how to get to Fuez Rd. by going down Helderberg Ave? Who knows....I'm sure that would be embraced in town?!?!.....I'm all for no new taxes...but in this day and age....it's not going to happen.....all politicians will tell you what you want to hear when it's election time..and then....well it's anyones guess...it's like the old addage about military recruiters (which I was one for a very short time)....How do you knoww when a politician or recuriter is lying?......when they open their mouth!!!!
Posted on: 09/16/09 Jackie Sher email: news@spotlightnews.com
The future of emergency services in the Town of Rotterdam will be in the hands of residents.
A yet-to-be-scheduled vote will be held regarding the proposal to create an ambulance tax district. Voter approval would pave the way for continued service by Rotterdam EMS.
“The town will have a mandatory referendum affording all property owners the right to vote on the proposal to create an ambulance district for the Town of Rotterdam,” said Town Supervisor Steve Tommasone.
Prior to the vote, a public hearing will be held Wednesday, Sept. 23.
“People will come forth to speak out on it. It will be like a true Town Hall meeting to give their views to the town board,” said Schenectady County Legislator Joe Suhrada, R-Rotterdam, who is also running for a spot on the Rotterdam Town Board.
A final plan for the proposed taxing district was laid out at the Wednesday, Aug. 12, Rotterdam Town Board meeting. The plan would make REMS the primary EMS-ambulance provider for the town. The town is currently contracting with REMS for ambulance services and would establish a special assessment to provide funding for the service. The assessment would be based on property values throughout the town.
At the beginning of this year, there was some debate about whether to contract with the privately owned Mohawk Ambulance for emergency services or continue with the government-funded Rotterdam EMS. Staying with REMS involves the creation of a new taxing district, similar to ones used for the fire department and other public safety departments, while receiving services from Mohawk Ambulance Service would have no impact on taxpayers.
If the taxing district is voted down, according to Suhrada, there is a possibility of the town contracting with Kingsway Ambulance, “which would mean the ultimate demise of Rotterdam EMS.”
Under the proposal to be voted on in the coming weeks, if approved, REMS will provide services to all properties located within the current municipal boundaries, and would serve approximately 28,316 people.
REMS obtains revenue through a combination of fees and local tax revenue. According to the report presented Aug. 12, the total estimated income for REMS in 2010 will be approximately $425,536. The town will provide the remaining revenue for the service, which will be approximately $232,528. However, the cost is subject to negotiation and can be amended by the town as long as it is in accordance with the contract.
According to the 2009 Tax Roll Summary, the total assessed value of the property in the town is approximately $2.4 billion. Based on the annual cost of running REMS, a 10 cent per $1,000 rate would be established, meaning that the typical cost for a single family home of $165,000 would be $16.50 a year.
“No Rotterdam resident should be in a position where they can’t get an ambulance to come to their house,” said Suhrada. “I’m very hesitant to have any new tax, whether it’s 16 dollars or 160 dollars, but I don’t want us to lose ambulance coverage. There are plenty of other things that the county and schools spend money, and nobody complains about them, and they aren’t life saving.”
No Rotterdam resident should be in a position where they can’t get an ambulance to come to their house,” said Suhrada. “I’m very hesitant to have any new tax, whether it’s 16 dollars or 160 dollars, but I don’t want us to lose ambulance coverage. There are plenty of other things that the county and schools spend money, and nobody complains about them, and they aren’t life saving.”
Then government should take over ALL the hospitals and give them their own taxing district. After all, they save lives. And any thing that is touted as saving lives must be 100% funded by government. Isn't that the argument Obama is using to scare through his Obamacare?
Joe Suhrada uses the red herring argument, pointing to the county and schools, and claiming that residents aren't outraged by the wasteful spending. What a silly argument, not even rational. What does one have to do with the other. Ask the 82 year old Darwin Brudos what he thinks about school taxing districts, and his $12K school tax bill. Or Ed Gifford's $14K school tax bill. http://rotterdamny.info/m-1252073029/s-new/
I would send my children to private school, if the public schools weren't granted their own taxing district years ago, that fleeces thousands of dollars from me per year. A number equal or greater than my property tax bill. Making it virtually impossible for me and most in the middle class to afford to send their kids to private school.
I'm sure that's how public schools were sold to the people many years ago. "It'll just cost $16 dollars", it's for the children. If you don't support public schools, you don't care about children. Now,,,100 years later, teachers unions control the politicians, and our school taxes are higher than our property taxes. Great idea, it's working great. Schenectady City School District is a perfect model of how wonderful these separate taxing districts work.
Grahmbonnet says he's a student of history. GB you might want to check the history and see how responsible school districts are with their taxing power, and pass that information along to your buddy Joe S.
What's next, giving the police their own taxing district?
Well you make some good points, Cicero. So go and speak out. That is why there is a hearing and that is why there is a vote. Your beloved socialist Democrat party is not giving you any such option in regard to a hostile takeover of all health care in America and it's insurance component. And furthermore, no Republican in Rotterdam is going to tell you you are from another planet like Barney Frank did, or call you a racist, when you state your opinion.
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
Or...maybe Mohawk is the answer....maybe one of the ambulances will get lost going to one of the developments on the west side of town when they are coming from Schenectady because some young kid gets hit by a car while riding his bike (hint hint Albany .....and maybe the dispatcher will tell them how to get to Fuez Rd. by going down Helderberg Ave? Who knows....I'm sure that would be embraced in town?!?!.....I'm all for no new taxes...but in this day and age....it's not going to happen.....all politicians will tell you what you want to hear when it's election time..and then....well it's anyones guess...it's like the old addage about military recruiters (which I was one for a very short time)....How do you knoww when a politician or recuriter is lying?......when they open their mouth!!!!
Perhaps there are records to show how many calls mohawk took over the last few years in Rotterdam.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Well you make some good points, Cicero. So go and speak out. That is why there is a hearing and that is why there is a vote. Your beloved socialist Democrat party is not giving you any such option in regard to a hostile takeover of all health care in America and it's insurance component. And furthermore, no Republican in Rotterdam is going to tell you you are from another planet like Barney Frank did, or call you a racist, when you state your opinion.
The Republicans only recently backed off of their position to jam this NEW taxing district through. It was because of Mertz, O'Conner, McGarry and the No New Tax Party that made them rethink their position. Didn't Tommasone say this issue was to important to leave up to the next administration, whoever it may be? Tommasone was ready to create a new taxing district that could only be rescinded by referendum. So without the No New Tax Party around, your beloved pseudo conservative Republicans were ready to force upon the residents of Rotterdam a new tax that will surely to grow and empower another politically active public employee union. Just what Rotterdam needs.
I support the No New Tax Party. They are the voice for me and many of the towns residents. And they're doing a great job of it. By forcing this issue to a public vote, they chalk up their first victory.
Well, if things through the entirety of REMS are worked as well as their website (http://www.remsinc.org/), then things should get better real quick...or not.
If you can't read it, you can check it out at their site, but the last 2 lines in the middle state:
Quoted Text
As we continue to improve ourselves, we will add on to and improve this website. Please check back for more information.
-The Staff of Rotterdam EMS, Inc.
The left side states:
Quoted Text
Service Requests January 215 February 61 Updated 2/10/2009
Or...maybe Mohawk is the answer....maybe one of the ambulances will get lost going to one of the developments on the west side of town when they are coming from Schenectady because some young kid gets hit by a car while riding his bike (hint hint Albany .....and maybe the dispatcher will tell them how to get to Fuez Rd. by going down Helderberg Ave? Who knows....I'm sure that would be embraced in town?!?!.....I'm all for no new taxes...but in this day and age....it's not going to happen.....all politicians will tell you what you want to hear when it's election time..and then....well it's anyones guess...it's like the old addage about military recruiters (which I was one for a very short time)....How do you knoww when a politician or recuriter is lying?......when they open their mouth!!!!
From this post, it appears that the surrounding county police/sheriff's depts can never consolidate either. By the sound of this post, they would get lost out of their own territory. GPS???
Again I would ask for a list from mohawk on exactly how many calls they have already taken in rotterdam in the last few years.
I still favor the private option. As I do with Glendale and obamaScare.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Anything on the town meeting last night? I read here that people voice their support or opposition. But does it really matter since the town (s.t., suhrada, signore, marchenkowski) back peddled and will put it up for a referendum now? What did any of these guys say? Did they outwardly come out in support of it, like their campaign signs say?
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Logged
.....and maybe the dispatcher will tell them 
