EMS is “the source” of our information, which the voting public relies and bases their voting decisions on.
It’s when we start asking question about information given to us that we discover discrepancies. When comparing EMS information to the county assessor, auditor, and elections offices, the numbers don’t add up.
Then we ask questions. Are we being given accurate information to make an informed decision?
According to EMS, call volumes are up 44 percent. Yet, since the hospital was built EMS call volumes have gone down. EMS states they are operating on 20 percent less or 33 percent less if you compare their campaign flyer to the Voter’s Pamphlet. This is information EMS is giving us, but why are the figures changing?
EMS states property taxes decreased so dramatically that the existing levy (which doesn’t expire until 2016) won’t cover costs. Yet our economy is rebounding, proceeds from the old building sold ($565,000) and revenue from their contract with Island Air Ambulance should cover their costs, if EMS lives within their means.
EMS chose to build an over-budgeted building, equipped it with a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances and gave themselves salary increase up to 32 percent in one year. This is not living within their means.
This money would have been better spent on new ambulances, equipment, or a myriad of other things that actually benefit the community.
It disturbs me to read scare tactics of service cuts, possibly not having EMTs at your door in an emergency and threats of paying more for services if you don’t vote “Yes.”
We all made adjustments during the falling economy. We all had to decide whether to buy that new car or fix the old one. EMS didn’t adjust their spending and wants taxpayers’ money to maintain the lifestyle of which they’ve become accustom.
We all love our EMTs and appreciate their dedication to our community. Others have donated to their association and it directly benefits them and is tax deductable. Please consider the source and wait until the current levy expires to make a more informed vote.
Vote “No” on EMS Levy
Leslie Brennan/San Juan Island
