The JEMS Board of Trustees met on September 21, 2010, to determine a course of action to follow in order to close an anticipated budget shortfall. This budget deficit has arisen due to unforeseen, increased costs and reduced revenues. Many options were presented by JEMS staff and none were readily accepted by the Board. Reluctantly, the Board selected a modified staffing model for the remainder of 2010. The determination for this option was based on data reviewed from August 1, 2007 to August 31, 2010. This data showed that JEMS activity levels were the lowest between 11pm and 5am.
Currently, JEMS staffs three (3) ambulances and one (1) paramedic/first-responder vehicle on a 24/7 basis, for a total of seven crew per shift. The new model will provide three (3) transport ambulances to the communities from 5am to 11pm each day, or a crew of six, and will provide two (2) transport ambulances and one (1) paramedic first-responder from 11pm to 5am each night, or a crew of five.
This change in service is expected to be temporary, until determination of final budget numbers for 2011 are received. The Board is continuing to explore cost reduction and revenue enhancing measures that will maintain or improve service while limiting the financial impact upon residents. JEMS currently receives approximately 40% of its revenue from property tax levies passed in 1988 (0.8 mil levy) and in 1995 (1.0 mil levy). The remainder of the organization’s revenue is generated by billing receipts as a result of EMS transportation services. The JEMS budget for 2010 was approximately $1.5M, including a $360,000 carry-over from the previous year.
JEMS is a joint-ambulance district operated by Carlisle, Franklin and Franklin Township providing basic and advanced life support services. JEMS serves approximately 30,000 residents and answers an average of 3,600 calls for service per year. The district is staffed by approximately 55 part-time EMTs and Paramedics with a full-time Chief and Fiscal Officer.
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