I would support Rotterdam Ambulance or Mohawk Ambulance.....actually which ever one is financially sound and can meet the need. And which ever one would be cost effective for the taxpayers. Rotterdam does not look that way right now. They are not meeting the need with one ambulance and it wouldn't be cost effective for the taxpayers. IMHO
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
I tell ytou that Mertz and Steve T are trying to kill off the volunteer and then the fire departments next so we have no covering in case of fire or emergemcy
EDITORIAL Stay open to alternatives to Rotterdam ambulance
It’s hard to figure how, at a time local government everywhere is struggling to make ends meet, a town like Rotterdam can flatly dismiss a proposal like the one from Mohawk Ambulance to provide service to the town at no cost to taxpayers. Mohawk’s plan would put the money-losing, nonprofit ambulance service that’s been serving the town — Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services Inc., or REMS — out of business. But it would offer jobs to all of REMS’ emergency medical personnel, buy its assets at fair market value and either purchase or lease the company’s property on Princetown Road. The catch? Basically, that Mohawk expects payment for its service, no excuses — it even employs a collection agency as a last resort, though it says it doesn’t even go so far as to attach a deadbeat’s wages or bank account. If a customer stiffs REMS, the company willingly absorbs the loss. The problem with this approach is that, over time, the losses mount. (A REMS official says it owes $270,000 to the IRS alone.) So now the town appears ready to prop REMS up — to the tune of $14,000 per month for the rest of this year — then to create a special taxing district to provide a revenue stream for it afterward. Customers (and their insurers) will still be billed for services; revenue from the projected $30 per household annual charge will be used to cover losses. But why create a special taxing district for a service that everyone in town benefits from? Doing so would require a separate, cumbersome bureaucracy to manage the operation and remove control — and accountability — from the town board, The most efficient way to pay for a service deemed necessary is through the general fund. Another element of Mohawk’s proposal that would make more sense for the town than either the current arrangement or the ambulance district plan: Mohawk would take over billing for paramedic services (which are administered by the police department at an annual cost of $470,000 but which REMS bills for), and it would remit to the town $80,000 to $100,000 in annual reimbursements — money REMS now keeps. The issue isn’t whether REMS provides good service, because it apparently does, and the town wants to make sure it stays that way. But how much money is the town prepared to ask taxpayers to pay? Perhaps town board member John Mertz is right that the town should solicit other proposals — not just Mohawk’s — to see which one makes the most sense. After it does so — not before — the board should ask residents what they think. But it — or anyone in town — shouldn’t automatically accept one plan and reject another without first getting the facts. How much do the competing plans really cost, and who should bear the burden?
Hard to believe, isn't it? I know that a representative for Mohawk interviewed with the People's Gazette Editorial Board about this yesterday in response to the press release sent to them regarding this issue. And isn't it convenient that it just so happens that the Demokrat cheerleaders at that paper get to criticize the Republicans they so loathe. Can't help but wonder if that's the ONLY reason for this oh-so-rare display of sanity AND accuracy in the same piece! Look for them to use it against the Republican incumbents in this year's elections - especially since the lone Demokrat on the Board, who also favored the tax scheme, it out of the line of fire.
you people who are repubs are again against the seniors WHAT ABOUT THE SENIORS WHO WILL DIE IF THE MOHAWK GETS IT?
You're right, Sal, this must be why there's all the hoodlums all over Schenectady, because Mohawk's been there, therefore, there's no more seniors there because Mohawk killed them all, right? Come on with these comments. Get real.
Again....the government should not be in the ambulance business nor should the government be creating a tax base for it either. Needing the service of an ambulance service is absolutely no different than needing a prescription or a visit to the doctors office or a blood test. It is all based on individual need. The insurance company pays their share and we pay the rest.
The service needs to be privatized. If not mohawk, than try another PRIVATE sector ambulance service. And I certainly hope this will not become a 'campaign highlight' during the up coming elections!! If it does, than this issue should clearly be placed on the ballot for a vote in November 2009.
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
you people who are repubs are again against the seniors WHAT ABOUT THE SENIORS WHO WILL DIE IF THE MOHAWK GETS IT?
Oh Sal....you dork......the seniors will die and so will everyone else who becomes seniors......none of us gets out of this alive.... get over it.....national healthcare is on the way to save all your poor fragile seniors and helpless kids.....and ALL THOSE involved in healthcare are lining up to get the biggest piece of the government pie they can as the 'managers'........
have you cleaned your rose colored glasses lately????
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Posted on: 01/29/09 Jackie Sher email: news@spotlightnews.com
Town of Rotterdam officials are considering whether they want to continue using government-funded Rotterdam EMS for emergency medical services or switch to privately owned Mohawk Ambulance Service.
“It’s a complicated matter because the town can’t just go out and decide we’re going to forsake Rotterdam EMS and go with private industry, because private industry offers no guarantees,” said Rotterdam Supervisor Steven Tommasone.
If the town continues using Rotterdam EMS, it will have to create a new taxing district. If it goes with Mohawk Ambulance Services, there will be no additional cost to taxpayers.
A decision could be made as early as this week, but Tommasone said it looks like the town will continue using Rotterdam EMS as their ambulance service.
“I don’t speak for the entire board or for Mohawk Ambulance Service or Rotterdam EMS, but I can tell you who I do speak for, and that’s the people in the town,” said Tommasone. “When I see people around town they all tell me the same thing, which is resoundingly that they want to keep what we have, and they want to find a way for us to ensure that Rotterdam EMS can continue.”
To continue using Rotterdam EMS, the town will have to create a special tax district similar to ones used for the fire department and other public safety departments.
There are no numbers yet on how much taxpayers would be charged, but, according to Tommasone, it will be minimal.
According to Tommasone, the majority of the board agrees that the town needs to fund its own EMS operation.
“What we’ll do is we’ll go through this year with a contract with Rotterdam EMS, and from there we’ll establish a tax district and go through just as we do with our fire district or water district,” said Tommasone.
Tom Nardacci, spokesperson for Mohawk Ambulance, which has locations in Albany and Schenectady, said that they have offered the town an alternative plan.
“Put the brakes on before you rush to a decision,” said Nardacci.
“Mohawk Ambulance is already in the town every day anyway because we provide mutual aid for whatever they’re lacking, whatever they can’t provide. We’re saying we have the capability to handle all of Rotterdam’s calls.”
Mohawk Ambulance is offering to take over the service at no extra cost to the town. They announced that they are prepared to offer the following to Rotterdam EMS: a “bailout loan” to Rotterdam EMS consisting of three months operating expenses for wages, vehicle upkeep and fuel. During this three-month period, Rotterdam EMS would have to agree to deposit all of its receipts into an escrow account, which would be held by the town.
Mohawk Ambulance Service and the Town of Rotterdam would then negotiate the terms of their agreement, whereby Mohawk would provide exclusive ambulance service to the town of Rotterdam beginning at the end of this three-month period. Mohawk Ambulance Service would purchase all assets owned by Rotterdam EMS, including vehicles and equipment.
Nardacci said the company would also hire all of Rotterdam emergency workers so long as they met the company’s employment criteria.
“We have to make sure everyone is up to the same standards. I don’t know if there’s a set list of specific criteria. I think the basic thing is make sure they have all their training and certification,” said Nardacci.
Tommasone said that he believes Mohawk Ambulance does a “good job” and that he supports private industry. However, he wants to ensure the town has its own Emergency Medical Service responders.
Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services declined to comment.
Seems as though Mr. Tommasone has already made our minds up for us.
Quoted Text
“I don’t speak for the entire board or for Mohawk Ambulance Service or Rotterdam EMS, but I can tell you who I do speak for, and that’s the people in the town,” said Tommasone. “When I see people around town they all tell me the same thing, which is resoundingly that they want to keep what we have, and they want to find a way for us to ensure that Rotterdam EMS can continue.”
Didn't I read a posting in this forum thread that a poll taken a week or so ago concluded that 76% of those responding were opposed to the creation of a tax district? Can someone provide a link to the poll question and the actual results that were obtained? It appears that a disconnect exists here. Does Mr. Tommasone tell the people to who he speaks that to "keep what we have" will require the creation of a tax district and additional tax levy?
It sounds like a referendum should be held so that the Rotterdam town residents can decide this issue.
The funny thing IMHO, is that he not only doesn't tell them it'll cost more in taxes, but will actually result in REVENUE TO the town if they go with Mohawk.
The workers in EMS are voting FOR this ... it's only the town bored that is saying "no". WTH? Don't Tommasone and "gang" read these forums to get a pulse of the people?
The Rotterdam Town Board plans to complete an external audit of Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services Inc. to determine the corps’ financial state before the town considers a contract with the company for ambulance services. ... Vanderwerker estimated the cost of constantly running two basic life support ambulances would be $300,000 annually. .. The Town Board voted unanimously Wednesday, Aug. 13, to hire Cusack and Company to complete an audit of the corps at a price not to exceed $3,000. Town Supervisor Steven A. Tommasone said the audit would be complete by the end of September.
What were the results of that audit (or did we ever get the results?). Going thru this thread, I don't see anything posted about it.
Quoted Text
Rotterdam officials are not the only officials concerned with REMS financial status. The corps owes the Internal Revenue Service more than $275,000 for unpaid payroll taxes and the interest accrued on the taxes, according to Vanderwerker. The IRS imposed liens on the corps for unpaid payroll taxes twice within the past year.
REMS also owes the Town of Rotterdam more than $20,000 for fuel to operate its rigs.
Who, if the Town Bored goes through with keeping REMS funded, will be on the hook for the $275,000? - and what of the $20,000 that was owed (as of August) for fuel?
The financial troubles came to a head when more than $250,000 worth of federal tax liens on the company surfaced this year. VanDerwerker later indicated that the company was having difficulty maintaining its payroll from week to week. VanDerwerker said the unforeseen funding from Princetown will help pay a quarterly insurance bill that came in this week. He said the company is on surer footing now but still has a long way to go before becoming financially stable. Meanwhile, Rotterdam officials are awaiting the results of a $3,000 audit of REMS they commissioned in August to determine if it was in the town’s interest to fund the ambulance company. Supervisor Steve Tommasone said the audit was returned Thursday and will be reviewed by the Town Board next week.
Financially unstable, difficulty meeting payroll and an audit that was due in Sept still not done in mid-November. okkkkkkkkkk? (Sounds like a Metroplex deal to me).
Something in this just doesn't make sense. Is Tommasone, et al, bucking McPartlon because they're democrats? Are they holding out for more money? There's got to be more to this story than we're hearing. Where is this "study" that we paid $3k for? Why haven't they delivered the results yet? Who (we know the answer, it's rhetorical) gets shafted for the money REMS owes the feds? What about the fuel money they already owe Rotterdam?
It's time to put the brakes on this, put up a townwide refferendum/ballot and let the taxpayers decide - it's THEIR money dammit!
I agree, this issue should be put on the ballot as a referendum to let the people who are going to be paying for the ambulance service decide what they want to do after all the options are explained to them, pros and cons.
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