MULLICA’S HIDDEN AMBULANCE REPORT (Cont’... VII. This the previous section posted here posed 8 options...now the report evaluates the costs of each of these eight options...having posted the analysis of 3 of the 8 options GadFly now posts the 4th option)

VIII. (Cont') ANALYSIS

RETAIN EXISTING SQUAD A SEPARATE ENTITY WITH SEPARATE FACILITIES

As addressed in previous sections of this report, one of the main problems facing the squad today is attracting volunteers who can respond to calls during daytime hours. The time commitment required of volunteers is significant, and training requirements are demanding. To address this shortage, the committee explored the viability of implementing an Emergency Services volunteer Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) to attract volunteers.

The statute defines a LOSAP as a “system established to provide tax-deferred income benefits to active volunteer members of an emergency service organization”. The program is created by the local municipality, and must be approved by the voters. Mullica currently has a total of 99 active volunteers, with potential of 150 volunteers (30 per each company and rescue squad). The participation cannot be limited to the rescue squad alone, but would include the fire departments as well. The annual contribution amount per qualifying member is set by the municipality and can rage from $400 to a maximum (in 2006) to $1,150.00.

Assuming Mullica established a program at the lower end of the scale of $400 per qualifying member, and assuming a 50% qualifying rate, the annual cost would be $20,000. A 75% qualifying rate would result in an annual cost of $30,000. Based on these cost estimates, the committee determined the potential financial liability would be significant, and establishing such a program would not guarantee an increase in EMTs and First Responders.

Another important factor influencing the decision to retain the rescue as an independent entity with its own building is the required future capital investment in facilities and equipment. The following were costs identified by the committee in continuing the rescue squad as a separate entity with separate facilities.
(This option continues with an expense evaluation of the costs to Mullica taxpayers in terms of the capital outlays that this choice would result in...new ambulances and new ambulance building, etc....to be posted here next.)