There’s a lot riding on the outcome of the November election in Newtown Township.
In addition to voting for a number of state and national office holders, township voters will be deciding whether to approve or reject an additional half mill in real estate taxes to fund the Newtown Ambulance Squad.
The increase being sought would boost the average tax bill for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from $21.80 to $43.60 a year, or about $3.63 a month.
“That breaks down to about $1.81 a month to the average homeowner to pay for EMS services,” said Resnikoff. “That doesn’t even pay for a half a gallon of gas these days. And you get a highly functional, 24 hour a day, 365 day a year EMS agency.”
“This is a small amount of money to guarantee that you will have an ambulance at your door,” said Newtown Rescue Squad Chief Evan Resnikoff.
According to the chief, the increase is projected to support the squad for the next four to six years without an additional need for new taxes.
If the referendum is voted down, Resnikoff said the squad may not be able to meet its obligation as a 24 hour a day operation due to a lack of funding and personnel.
The tax increase would be used to boost salaries to a more competitive level, to recruit personnel and to plug the gap between 24 hour a day staffing and insurance reimbursement.
According to Resnikoff, the public is invited to attend an open house at the rescue squad on Saturday, November 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. to inspect the station, view its equipment and ask questions. The station is located at 2651 South Eagle Road across from ACE Hardware.
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UPDATE (November 8, 2022): “Voters Support Additional Needed Funding for the #NewtownPA Ambulance Squad”; https://sco.lt/5uUlXM