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The Pike County Emergency Medical Services has changed the way they are operating squad staffing, due to budget cuts.
Pike EMS Director Tim Dickerson says changes were needed because the budget has been tightening since the county went to staffing with paid personnel, due to a decreasing number of volunteers in the townships.
Dickerson says they are currently staffing two county squads during daytime hours and one squad after midnight. They also have squads #3 and #7 in the outlying areas, which are staffed with "paid volunteers". The county also has access to private companies if they need them due to numerous squad calls at the same time.
Pike EMS is working with the Pike County Commissioners on a proposed tax levy that could appear on the November ballot, to help create revenue that will ensure they have sufficient service for the 28,000 people in the county and 444 square miles they cover.
Dickerson says they will have public meeting opportunities before the levy vote, to answer questions about their needs and what they decide upon concerning the amount or type of tax levy needed.
The full interview with Tim Dickerson can be heard on our podcast link below...