Merger of Allen County and Iola ambulance services should be completed soon.
The lone sticking point for county commissioners is concern for county personnel transferring to the city’s side in regard to accrued vacation time, sick leave and seniority and salary. The point is nearly moot considering only one county ambulance member is receptive to transfer.
City Administrator Carl Slaugh said he could resolve concerns quickly.
If that occurs, all in Allen County will take a collective sigh. The road to merger has been long, and often rocky.
The merger will benefit all Allen Countians.
While noting that cost of countrywide ambulance service operated by the city, along with firefighting responsibilities, won’t be known until sometime into the process, Slaugh’s estimate is about $2.1 million, or $400,000 less than what the two governing bodies have spent with two services.
Commission Chairman Dick Works allowed that might mean a property tax reduction of 3 to 5 mills for the county.
The county agreed to guarantee the city $750,000 from charges made for runs, which seems well within the scope of what they should generate. The city will continue to support the fire department from its general fund, but those two sources of revenue may fall short of what’s needed by $100,000 to $150,000, Slaugh said.
If that occurs, Iolans could see their property tax levies increase by about the same amount as the county’s decreases. That would be a wash for Iola residents, while all others in the county will see a decrease.
The math also supports Commissioner Tom Williams’ declaration the merger “is a better deal for the county.”
SEVERAL years ago Bill Shirley, then Iola mayor, observed motivation to run an ambulance service was that it provided sufficient income for Iola to maintain a full-time fire department.
A full-time fire department provides better protection of Iolans’ properties, has a role with insurance rates, and makes a difference in recruiting efforts for industries, businesses and residents. Also, things associated with a fire department, such as dealing with hazardous materials, operating a rescue unit, doing inspections and providing educational opportunities for local students, are important for a city that wants to be portrayed as progressive.
