On Tuesday, May 5th, voters in Garrettsville, Freedom, and Nelson will have the opportunity to show their support for Community EMS District by supporting a 1.5 mil levy that will allow the EMS district to meet the growing demand for their services.
Over the last 15 years, emergency calls to Community EMS have increased by more than 50%, rising from 832 calls in 2011 to 1266 in 2023, “Our highest number ever,” according to Community EMS District Chief Chris Sanchez. “The proposed levy will help ensure the agency can continue to provide reliable emergency response and maintain current service levels as demand continues to grow,” he noted.
Currently, Community EMS District is funded by a 3.5 mil levy that was passed by voters in 2017 and renewed in 2022. It generates approximately $620,000 per year, and all the levy funds stay within the district. Along with the levy, Community EMS District also receives funds from EMS billing of roughly $330,000 annually.
The current funding is insufficient to meet the growing demand. Increased call volumes, aging equipment, and rising operational costs. Without passage of the new levy, Community EMS will face potential cuts to essential services. As a result, callers will experience longer response times, reduced service availability, and increased reliance on neighboring departments to handle calls.
The new 1.5 mil levy will cost homeowners $53.00 per $100,000 of assessed property value; approximately $4.38 per month for the average homeowner in our community. This will generate approximately $416,309 in revenue per year.
Captain Josh Wilde noted that levy passage will benefit the community in a multitude of ways. Additional funds will allow for increased staffing and decreased response times. It will make the community less reliant on neighboring departments to handle call for services. “Ultimately, it will help ensure availability of emergency medical services when you need them most.”
Community EMS provides emergency medical services to roughly 8,600 residents across almost 52 square miles, including the Village of Garrettsville, Freedom Township and Nelson Township. The district also includes Nelson Ledges State Park, US 422, the Ohio Turnpike, and multiple State routes, providing emergency services to visitors and travelers in these locations as well.
Community EMS District currently employs 19 paramedics, 1 advanced EMT, 10 EMTs and one fiscal officer. Equipment includes three advanced life support ambulances, one pick-up truck and one trailered side by side UTV for off road rescues.
“The EMS levy is a crucial investment in the health and safety of our community,” Chief Sanchez noted. “By supporting this levy, you will ensure that our emergency medical services have the resources they need to provide timely and effective care. Your ‘yes’ vote will save lives.”
