On Nov. 6, the residents of Marietta Township will be asked to vote on, and hopefully approve, two levies to support the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provided by the Reno Volunteer Fire Department. It is imperative that both levies must pass in order to continue EMS services that are currently provided.
The Reno Volunteer Fire Department has for many years provided 24-hour emergency medical services that makes Marietta Township a healthier and safer place to live, work and visit. Emergency medical runs continue to increase as the population of the Township grows. Average number of runs for the last 10 years has been 437 per year. Recruitment of new volunteers becomes increasing difficult due to the amount of time required for training, hours involved, and time spent away from families.
In 1997, a 1-mill levy was approved to provide funding for two Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) for 11 hours per day, with the remainder of the day covered by volunteer EMTs. With the addition of third party billing the department has been able to provide 11 hour coverage seven days a week. With the current rate of inflation and the increase in runs, the Reno VFD cannot continue to provide 24/7 coverage to the residents of Marietta Township without additional funds to pay for additional EMTs. Paid EMTs for 24/7 coverage is urgently needed to continue adequate coverage.
I have lived in Marietta Township since 1989 and have had to use the Emergency Medical Services three times in the last four years. Each time their response was very prompt and the EMTs that transported me to the hospital were professional, kind and compassionate as they attended to my needs. My last two transports were life threatening and they knew exactly what to do to keep me stable until we got to the nearest medical facility. The two levies, Renewal for 1 mill and Continuation for 1.6 mills, will cost me approximately $77.27 per year (tax evaluation on a $100,000 home). A small price to pay for peace of mind and/or a life.
Without the passage of both levies we run a huge risk of having no EMS in Marietta Township and residents will have to rely on private ambulance services in Washington County. Response time would increase with unknown transport costs that would be the responsibility of the patient. I do not believe that this would be acceptable to anyone in this community.
I urge the residents of Marietta Township to join me and vote yes on both EMS Levies on Nov. 6. Marietta Township is a wonderful community and a great place to live. Let's keep it that way and continue to provide EMS services 24/7 to all the citizens who live and work in the Township. As a community we should demonstrate to our area's present and past first responders, The Reno Volunteer Fire Department, that we appreciate them and their dedication to their community. Your yes vote on both levies will show your appreciation and help make their jobs a little easier.
Jean Eshelman
Marietta
