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
They are demonizing a 'profit' business? Making a 'non profit' a fiscally better sound choice? They actually made some of their case based on that fact that they will not be running REMS like an 'evil business' that actually employees people with benefits AND makes a profit! How dare those nasty businesses.
Well hell.....all REMS, a non profit has to do, is suck the money out of the taxpayers. If they don't collect a dime from insurance, it's no big deal cause they will just pass the cost on to the already overburdened taxpayers! They clearly don't have what it takes to run a business and are turning to the taxpayers to foot the bill instead.
It is all nonsense and I agree with BM.... I believe these costs will go up yearly!!! And all for a BLS! (Basic Live Support).....aka medical transport!
VOTE 'NO'!
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
Drove past there yesterday their sign said something like 800+ calls last year? can someone confirm that....
quick math based on what was said and based on everyone of those calls being a hospital trip
900calls X $200 = $180,000....... maybe they should think about becoming for profit because the call volume will never rise much higher than that on average, and when you factor in cost they have to be bleeding money left and right. they already need 10,000 a month of our money and are in debt up to their eyeballs.......
they need new trucks.... iam sure those things cost a pretty penny
It's a ridiculous idea!!! It will become a money pit! They aren't even up to snuff with their 10+ year ambulance. I hope people aren't dumb enough to go for this. This is one of the issues that sunk the reps in the last administration.
However, having the referendum 5 days before the 4th is ridiculous. It should have been incorporated in with the Nov. election!! It wouldn't cost anymore money if it was done then....right?
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
GALWAY — Town residents have defeated a plan to fund Galway’s ambulance squad with property taxes, meaning it might have to reduce service and hours.
Voters on Wednesday turned down the proposal by a roughly 2-1 margin, 258-124.
Galway Emergency Medical Services must now find a new source of revenue or it will run out of money sometime next year.
“People want the ambulance, they’re happy with service, but they can’t afford more taxes,” Capt. Mike Jazwinski said. “Who can?”
At present, the squad contracts with the towns of Galway and Charlton and the village of Galway. The town of Galway pays the largest figure, $51,700 per year.
The squad also gets about $100,000 from billings and does considerable fundraising. However, its budget is $316,000, so revenues have fallen far short of expenses in the past few years. Since 2006, the squad has had to use $162,000 worth of savings. It has about $100,000 left, which could be depleted by early or mid 2011, President Beth Ruman said.
The squad’s future?
“It’s uncertain,” she said.
At present, the squad is certified by the state to provide advanced life service (ALS). As such, a paramedic and driver must respond to all calls, every day, around the clock.
Only a few years ago, the squad had 22 volunteers, but it now has just seven. “That’s a nationwide trend,” Jazwinski said. “Most families need two incomes to make ends meet. People don’t have time to volunteer.”
The squad has had to make up for fewer volunteers with more paid staff. Last year, professional paramedics were paid $157,000 — almost half the squad’s budget — up from $113,000 in 2008.
Most paid staff have full-time jobs elsewhere and work part-time for Galway’s rescue squad. For example, a Saratoga Springs fireman might cover a shift in Galway on his day off from the fire department.
If the squad runs out of money, it won’t be able to provide 24-hour coverage and would have to be downgraded from ALS to basic life service, Ruman said. She said Galway would have to rely on mutual aid from places such as Saratoga Springs, Amsterdam and Ballston Spa, resulting in longer waiting times.
The squad plans to study its options and perhaps schedule a meeting to see what the public wants. No meetings are planned yet, however.
Supervisor George Hargrave said the town can’t afford to give the squad more money. Sales tax revenue was lower than expected last year, prompting the town to impose a tax hike in its 2010 budget.
Hargrave said he wasn’t surprised at the outcome of Wednesday’s vote.
“With the economy the way it is, you could almost foresee this was going to happen,” he said.
Somebody (not you Sombody) should tell pretty boy GP that when a motion is made and seconded and there is a call for discussion THAT is when you make your statement--not during the vote.
This is always done! always has been......and ya don't have to be a pretty boy to do it!
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
That simply isn't true, Boomer. Officials are ALWAYS permitted to "explain their vote" immediately prior to voting.
EXACTLY!!! Guess boomer needs to attend some meetings to see how things work. Well except for this bunch!
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
Really--I stand corrected. Thank you. Didn't know it was different rules for government officials--should have figured that out. Actually I attended the IDA meeting--wow what a trip. McGarry should be taken off immediately--he clearly doesn't get business or why the IDA is created. But then again another politically confused being.
Logged
