MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The financial struggles for local emergency service providers in Monongalia County are worsening and the Monongalia County Commission agreed Wednesday to subsidize wages through next year with about $1.1 million.
In Star City, the financial woes have resulted in a suspension of services, according to Firefighter/EMT Joe Klass.
“Recently, Star City EMS has had to cease operations,” Klass said. “This has been primarily due to financial concerns.”
Monongalia County Emergency Services has agreed to cover Star City for now.
In Monongalia County in 2021, the cost for emergency services was about $5 million in the red, but calls for service continue increasing.
“In 2021 we ran about 3,340 EMS calls- 679 of then were 911s and the rest were general medical transports,” Klass said.
Monongalia County Commissioners agreed to add to any expenditure to increase wages authorized by the emergency service leaders in the county. Commissioner Sean Sikora said the $130,000 approved Wednesday is only part of the remedy for the problem.
“We have a gentleman’s agreement that if they step up and go to the next level in regards to the pay scale then we would provide funding this year to help offset that,” Sikora said. “So, that’s what this is.”
Entry-level EMS workers make $12 to $15 per hour putting agencies in competition with out-of-state emergency providers or even fast food jobs for employees.
Although a levy is being considered, even more financial help will be needed to ensure emergency services will be available to county residents.
“Not only the $130,000, but in next year’s budget there’s $1 million to help move this forward,” Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom said. “I think the public needs to be aware of that and I think it’s money well spent.”
A presentation to commissioners about a levy is possible in June. If the commissioners approve the levy it could make it to the November ballot. If voters approve the levy funding would be needed to shore the departments up until money would be available.
During the most recent legislative session, Monongalia County Delegate and chairman of the House’s Committee on Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services Joe Statler, wanted the governor to implement a plan similar to a $48 million state program helping to train and retain nurses. Legislators were not able to reach an agreement for support.