Carrollton council weighs dedicated ambulance service, safety rules for mobility devices

Cristene Lerussi of Northstar Critical Care presented information about the feasibility of establishing a dedicated ambulance service in Carrollton at the Sept. 22 council meeting.

She said the village averages about 500 EMS calls per year, with about 2,000 countywide, and explained that about 80% of calls result in patient transport while 20% are refusals, which her company does not charge for. Transport distances to nearby emergency rooms average 34 miles, with Medicare reimbursing about $826 per trip and Medicaid about $461.

Lerussi outlined the high operating costs of EMS — about $589,000 annually for one 24/7 crew, with an additional $410,000 for a second crew — and emphasized that personnel costs are the largest expense. She cited Ohio law, which permits but does not require municipalities to contract for EMS, and explained that such contracts do not need competitive bidding. Because 70% of EMS providers nationwide are struggling or closing due to costs and low reimbursements, she said sustainable funding is crucial.

Lerussi recommended any EMS contract require state licensing, paramedic-level staffing, GPS tracking and monthly performance reports, and assured council that dedicated Carrollton ambulances would not be diverted to other areas. To ensure reliable coverage, she suggested at least two ambulances, since each transport typically removes a crew from service for two hours. Northstar currently employs 37 staff and has EMT trainees in the pipeline.

Village Administrator Mark Wells asked if there would be opportunities for employment of local EMTs, and Lerussi replied there would be.

She left a packet of information with these statistics and more for every council member and Wells.

In another matter, Councilman Dan Locke raised concerns about the safety of powered wheelchairs and mobility devices being used on public roads, particularly in low-visibility conditions. Several near misses were described, and members discussed whether the village should regulate the use of flags, reflectors or flashing lights to improve safety.

They concluded that requiring some sort of flashing light would be best. Wells recommended the village could provide lights to those who need them. Council liked the idea, but no action was taken at this meeting. They agreed to have Solicitor Clark Battista look into the matter and draft legislation.

The Canton Road sidewalk project was mentioned, with an estimated cost of $13 million. While funding is not yet secured, Wells said future ODOT and Omega grant opportunities could support such improvements, though construction would likely be several years away.

In other business, council:

—HEARD fire report. Assistant Fire Chief Bill Wells said the fire department responded to 26 incidents during the past month. These included seven fire-related calls, 10 medical or rescue calls (six of which were lift assists), two hazardous condition responses such as electrical issues or fuel spills, one animal rescue, five good intent or false alarms and one false call. He noted that in several cases, fire crews had to wait for EMTs to arrive, with delays of up to 10 minutes.

—HEARD police report. Police Chief Tim Timberlake said the department handled 302 calls for service during the month. These included 11 traffic crashes, one of which involved possible injuries, along with 13 other incidents including a handful of drug arrests, four harassment cases, one theft and one breaking and entering.

—HEARD resident complaint. A village resident reported frustration with the building inspector’s lack of responsiveness, saying that despite multiple attempts by both himself and his contractor to reach the inspector about a required permit, there had been no reply for nearly two weeks. The resident said that although the inspector eventually promised to deliver the permit, it was not completed on time. Wells, who has been working with the resident on the matter, said he will address the situation and ensure the issue is straightened out.

—HEARD street department update. The village street department will collect bagged leaves curbside each Friday through Nov. 21. Residents do not need to call for pickup, as the street department will drive through neighborhoods Fridays to collect the bags. Wells said residents may call if they prefer, but it is not required.

—HEARD ordinance reminder. Ordinance 1189.04 prohibits any sign from being located on public property, in public right-of-way or affixed to any utility pole, tree or screening. Wells said the village has been removing signs because they violate the ordinance.

—HELD executive session to consider purchase of property at 7:43 p.m.

—PAID bills. The village paid $798,274.74 in vendors and $64,094.13 in payroll, and also paid bills without prior certification of $29,102.44.