Thoughts on Ambulance Service
Emergency medical service is essential to every family in our county. The question before us is how to fund it in a way that is affordable, fair, and reliable.
Many residents are concerned about higher taxes, and that concern is valid. Families are already dealing with rising costs. That is why we should look at alternate funding solutions that spread responsibility fairly instead of relying only on taxpayers.
Our local hospital should also share in this responsibility.
Reliable ambulance service benefits the hospital, patients, and the entire healthcare system. Some may question added costs if call volume has declined, but EMS is about readiness.
Ambulances must be staffed, equipped, and ready at any moment, whether calls are high or low. Local control is important. Decisions about McDonough County EMS should be made here by people who understand our communities and needs.
Citizens also deserve transparency. Any funding plan should include clear budgets, accountability, and regular public review. Delaying action will only make problems more expensive later. Planning now can protect service, stabilize costs, and avoid future crises.
McDonough County deserves dependable EMS that is locally managed, financially responsible, and built to last.
I encourage everyone to contact their County Board members, Macomb City Council members, and Hospital Board members and ask them to work together to develop a practical, long-term solution for funding the future of ambulance services in McDonough County.
Respectfully, Jere Greul A Concerned Citizen
