If they haven’t cast their ballots already, Antrim County voters can head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 4, to decide whether to renew an operational millage for the Township Ambulance Authority.
Formed more than 20 years ago, the Township Ambulance Authority serves nine Antrim County townships: Central Lake, Chestonia, Custer, Forest Home, Helena, Kearney, Mancelona, Star and Warner.
The Township Ambulance Authority was created after local officials determined individual townships could no longer afford to fund ambulance service on their own, according to TAA board member Terry Smith.
“We were trying to pay the ambulance service out of the township treasuries and it became apparent we couldn’t do that,” Smith said. “Forming TAA made us eligible to seek millages.”
Smith said voters initially approved a 1-mill levy, which was later increased to 2 mills. The proposal on the Aug. 4 ballot would renew the existing 2-mill levy, not increase it.
“We are not asking for an increase,” Smith said. “This is the same millage we have had in the past.”
According to Smith, millage funding has enabled the authority to expand training and improve patient care through its partnership with Munson Medical Center.
“Over the years, it evolved from a quick trip to the hospital, to actually having life-saving procedures performed on a patient because of the technology, training and equipment – all due to the millage money we received,” Smith said.
The authority’s paramedics receive advanced training and are able to perform procedures that are not available through some neighboring ambulance services, he said.
Insurance reimbursements and other revenue fall short of covering the actual cost of each ambulance run. The millage fills that gap, he said, helping pay for ambulances, fuel, equipment, staffing, medications, and medical supplies.
“Most of the time in the past, we have had overwhelming support, and we want to be sure that continues,” Smith said. “It is very important to keep this service going for the community. I cannot stress enough, if this doesn’t pass, we will see changes and they definitely will not be for the better.”
TAA System Director Melissa Johnson said the authority averages 2,500 calls per year, or 5 to 6 per day.
“Calls for help vary, from lift assist to life-threatening events,” Johnson said. “We also respond and assist at fires and crashes. We’ve expanded our stations to three, located in Mancelona, Bellaire and Alden, which allows us faster response time.”
In addition to providing emergency medical services, the Township Ambulance Authority offers a membership program that protects participants from out-of-pocket ambulance costs. Members who require ambulance service are not billed for balances not covered by their insurance.
“If you need an ambulance ride and get it, we bill your insurance,” Smith said. “If they don’t cover the full amount, your membership covers the balance and you don’t get a bill.”
Memberships range from $85 for a single, to $100 for a couple/family. For an extra member – a non-dependent living at the address – the cost is $20 additional.
“It is absolutely imperative that this millage pass so that we can continue the service as we have had over the last 20 years,” Smith said. “We are doing very well, and it’s top-notch service we are providing to our communities.”