Switch to full site

New bill could allow PA towns to raise tax for emergency services, but first responders aren't sold

[image]

A proposed bill could give more Pennsylvania communities the power to raise property taxes to fund EMS and fire departments that have long struggled with budget constraints and staffing shortages.

However, local responders in Mercer County aren't so sure that it will make enough of a difference, or that residents will be able to support it.

Emergency departments across the state have faced the same crisis: a lack of funding and insufficient staff.

"I mean, right now, we're treading water," said Doug Dick, Director and EMS Chief of Superior Ambulance in eastern Mercer County.

The bill, HB 393, would allow more municipalities to raise their millage rates, creating dedicated revenue streams for emergency services.

Crews with EmergyCare in Mercer County said any additional funding could help response times, but they're still concerned about growing demand, especially from both locals and pass-through travelers.

"A bill like this is great because it allows them to increase millage," said Dave Basnak, president of EmergyCare, "But again, it's just causing an increase on property taxes in communities that are already very sparsely populated."

Superior EMS currently serves 22 municipalities, yet only nine of them provide financial support.

Dick said the fear is that even with expanded taxing power, local leaders may hesitate to act.

"I think a lot of people would struggle for an increase, I really do," he said, "The elderly population are on a really fixed income. So we see this, we deal with these patients."

Without a reliable funding fix, Dick said staffing challenges and overall budget constraints will likely continue and lead to delays.

"Every time we see our expenses go up elsewhere, whether it's ambulances, it's, you know, the cost of medications, cost of equipment, that takes away what we're able to put into wages," Basknak added, "which means that it's very difficult to recruit and retain people."

Dick said he would prefer to see a 1% statewide sales tax implemented instead, which he believes would be more sustainable and less burdensome on vulnerable residents.

House Bill 393 passed the state House and is now headed to the Senate for consideration.


© Copyright 2000 - 2025 WorldNow and WFMJ