FAQ Series 8 - Future

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This has been the subject of many conversations. We will note again that we are awaiting the results of the State assessment, which will recommend the proposed best structure and components for a long-term solution for Delta.

There are a few options, but we will summarise the top few here - and please note these are highlights and nothing is set in stone. This is not intended to be biased in any way. The opportunity to evaluate these options should be done in a more suitable place.

• The Private Contractor Plan. Continue contract with a private and professional EMS provider. Go out to RFP (Request For Proposals) again and see if any other new providers in the area are competitive.  This is the simplest option with the least amount of work, but it will probably cost the most
• The “Chris Morley - City run plan”. The City will take over the responsibility of running the EMS. They will be the employer, own the equipment, raise the funds, and do the billing. There would be an EMS director and a subcommittee that reports to the Mayor and City Council.
• The Community Plan  (aka RAES proposal).  A non-profit will be set up and established to run the EMS (this is separate from RAES).  It should have a volunteer community board and employ an EMS Manager, and ambulance crews. It will own the equipment, receive funds from billing and other fundraising avenues (including money from RAES and the community). This is separate from the City and does not report to the City Administration or council. It would, however, need City support in various areas such as facilities.

A lot of numbers have been heard over the last 6 months. The days of a $50,000 per year EMS are gone (they were subsidized anyway). The general opinion is that for a comparable service to what we are currently getting is between $900,000 and $1,300,000 per year. This is a big range, but many costs can fluctuate depending on which model is proceeded with.

Start up costs are also in the region of $1 million to $2 million for ambulances, equipment and initial operating cash flow.

The City has an agreement with the State to do a no-fee assessment for Delta. This could take up to 6 months to be prepared.

There will be plans to hold a community meeting early on in the state assessment process to present the Community plan (aka the RAES plan).  This will be public and we welcome constructive public comment.  

• Spread the word about the importance of supporting Deltas ALS/EMS. 
• Attend the community meeting and share your thoughts. 
• Support the fundraising mission and donate monthly - we suggest a minimum of $25 a month per person, even more if you can afford it. If you can donate for a friend or family member who can’t, then please help your neighbors.

Delta residents need to decide what plan they want and work to get it established.  Having multiple parties working on separate plans is time-consuming and not productive. Once Delta decides, everyone needs to get behind that plan and support it in getting off the ground and providing EMS for Delta with the most sustainable plan with the most merit.

Tough question. There have been suggestions that the community has an in-person vote for all to attend. An in person poll at City Hall for everyone in the greater Deltana area to cast a vote would probably be the best scenario.  We will need to recruit help from someone experienced and unbiased to do this on our behalf. 

We have to get this done within a year before the contractual agreement ends.  

And YES we can do it together!!!