Decision likely to come down to a public vote
The public will decide the future of Rotterdam’s emergency services during a tax district vote, but that vote has yet to be scheduled.
Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services and Mohawk Ambulance Service presented their proposals to the Town Board on Wednesday, Sept. 15, before a packed room of residents and emergency service personnel from both companies.
Supervisor Francis Del Gallo said if residents approve the tax district, then REMS will continue providing emergency services to the town, but if they vote it down, then the own will go with Mohawk, a for-profit company.
We are planning to have a vote and let the taxpayers decide whether they want a tax district or not, said Del Gallo. `If they want to pay taxes for this, they’ll vote yes, if they don’t, they’ll vote no.`
Town Attorney Michael Godlewski said that even with a public vote, anything relating to the ambulance contract would be subject to formal board approval.
Many of the residents said they were concerned about approving a tax district to keep REMS service and then having the contract awarded to Mohawk.
Richard Brandt, vice president of operations at Mohawk Ambulance Service, said that is not something his company is interested in either.
`We don’t want a nickel of taxpayer money,` said Brandt. `We’re not asking for a tax district. We don’t need funding from the tax district. We’re self-sufficient.`
Godlewski said lawyers are still looking into the legality of designating REMS as the only organization to be associated with the taxing district on the upcoming ballot. Town Attorney Joseph Liccardi said he is waiting for a response from the New York State Attorney General’s Office before commenting on the matter.
Schenectady County Legislator Anthony Jasenski, D-Rotterdam, gave to presentation for REMS and explained the history of the nonprofit organization dating back to 1936.
`Almost 75 years of tradition, dedication, sacrifice and quality service ` not to mention the lives saved ` all speak for itself,` said Jasenski. `Once you turn the page on Rotterdam EMS and eliminate them from the system, you will never be able to flip back the page and bring them back.`
Jasenski said covering certain major expenses, such purchasing a new fleet of ambulances, is the reason behind creating a tax district for REMS. The total cost to replace the four-ambulance fleet would total more than $500,000. Over time, it is expected the revenue required by REMS in a tax district would decrease. If established, REMS board of directors, appointed by the public, would establish the tax district.
Mohawk representatives said their company would save the town money and produce revenue for the town.
`Mohawk Ambulance has presented to the Town Board a proposal for services that is a huge benefit to the taxpayers in Rotterdam,` said Thomas Nardacci, spokesman for Mohawk Ambulance, in a prepared statement after the meeting. `[Mohawk] not only eliminates the need to provide government subsidies and eliminates the need to create a new tax that is estimated to cost an additional quarter of a million dollars, but will actually generate well over $100,000 annually in new revenue for the town.`
The estimated annual cost of the tax district would be $15 for a home assessed at $150,000 in Rotterdam, said Jasenski.
`Tax subsidies for emergency services are not a new thing for the town of Rotterdam,` said Jasenski. `An annual $15 payment for the average Rotterdam home is a small price to pay for that peace of mind and the quality of service being provided.`
REMS also expressed an interest in billing insurance companies for Advanced Life Support services, which would require an agreement with the town. Mohawk generates revenue from ALS in other municipalities, and 100 percent of the revenue from this source would go back to the town.
Deputy Supervisor Robert Godlewski said he would be interested in exploring the possibility of ALS billing with REMS, but to his knowledge, REMS hasn’t tried to get ALS approval in the past.
Brandt questioned why REMS, after being in service for more than 70 years, hasn’t already sought ALS approval.
If someone weren’t able to pay their bills, Brandt said, Mohawk has a procedure set in place to accommodate individuals.
`We use a hardship write-off policy that is very similar to the one used by a number of local hospitals,` said Brandt. `If people can show us they can’t pay, we are not going to hound them one more time.`
Kelly Rhinesmith, was the only resident at the meeting to speak against keeping REMS and creating a tax district to support the service. She acknowledged her role as the `lone opponent.`
`We asking about a tax district and having a vote again on a tax that we don’t need,` said Rhinesmith. `I understand that this is a heartstring issue. I understand the gratitude that’s generated in these kind of situations, but I also believe that gratitude would be equally intense had Mohawk come and saved my life as opposed to REMS. I’m not disputing that these men and woman are dedicated longtime servants for the town.`
Rhinesmith also didn’t agree with some points in Jasenski’s presentation about REMS.
`The fact that he is telling that basically REMS self-sustaining financially at this point, and we know that is just not an accurate statement,` said Rhinesmith. `What you’re asking them to do is basically pay for a service that they may or may not use.“
