No final decision was made Tuesday evening at a joint Lynn and Heidelberg Townships' Boards of Supervisors meeting at the New Tripoli Fire Co. concerning a new choice of ambulance service for the municipalities.
Over 50 residents from both townships crowded the fire hall to voice their concerns over which ambulance company out of the three who made presentations to the supervisors should be chosen.
This was after Northwestern Ambulance Corps notified the townships they would no longer be able to answer emergency calls after February 13 due to ongoing financial struggles.
Heidelberg Township supervisors requested no final decision be made since vice chairman David Fink was unable to attend the meeting and supervisor Rodney Schlauch was undecided after proposals were made by Northwestern, Cetronia, and Northern Valley (NoVa) Ambulance Corps.
Lynn Township supervisors made a conditional decision in favor of Cetronia Ambulance Corps. based primarily on its financial solvency. Lynn chairman Justin Smith said, "It's about the economics of the situation, although we are thankful to Northwestern for all their years of service."
Northwestern Ambulance Executive Director Kathy Van Allen said her ambulance company has been serving the majority of northwestern Lehigh County for the past 43 years and would need an immediate bailout of $50,000 from the townships in order to continue operating.
She cited diminishing financial support in the form of donations from area residents, approximately $200,000 in uncollected patient unpaid bills, and a lack of growth in the areas served, resulting in the same annual emergency call volume for Northwestern's financial difficulties.
Lynn Township vice chair Steve Feinour said referring to Northwestern's mounting debt, "It's too big of a nut to crack" for his township to subsidize.
Heidelburg chairman Steve Bachman who favors Northern Valley Ambulance (NoVA) remarked about Northwestern's finances and township assistance, "I don't think we can pull you out of this; it's too far gone." He termed NoVa's community service model as "impeccable."
Smith said he favors Cetronia because they run their business based on data and as a result generates the largest amount of income and would require the least township financial assistance at $100,000 annually for three years.
According to NoVa financial manager Joe Solderich, his company would require a $110,000 township subsidy for three years and would provide one ambulance to cover both Lynn and Heidelburg Townships. NoVa has a $1.2 million annual budget and no debt reserve and its headquarters in Ormrod is also debt-free.
Heidelburg supervisors promised to finalize their decision at their next meeting on Jan. 15.
Lynn supervisors approved on condition Cetronia until Jan. 15, depending on the outcome of the Heidelburg vote.
Smith said his township will opt for another plan after Jan. 15 if Heidelburg does not concur with Lynn's vote for Cetronia.
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