Sarah Lynema, Martin Township’s representative on the Wayland Area Emergency Services Board, told the Township Board WAEMS is looking at changing the way it charges base rates to local municipalities.
Acknowledging concerns about being able to afford the ambulance service, Lynema said an idea was proposed to change the base rate from $4,000 to 3 percent of totals collected, but eventually the proposal was tabled.
The WAEMS Board, she said, is taking up the budget next month.
She said two new ambulances have arrived, at $175,000 apiece, and a third one is on order pending success of a grant application.
“We have seen a steady increase in call volume over the last five years,” she noted.
Later in the Martin Township Board meeting Wednesday it was acknowledged that the township has been in talks with Plainwell Emergency Services and Ryan Cronk has submitted a proposal. However, no action has been taken.
Dillon Thomas, representing Martin Township Fire & Rescue, told board members the local fire department has five members, including Chief Kurt Knight, who have sought medical certification to better the situation for first responders in the Martin area.
In other business at Wednesday’s meeting, the Township Board:
• Agreed to spend $15,300 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for its share of a project to repair and renovate the railroad tracks on 122nd Avenue.
Allegan County Commissioner Gale Dugan said the rules for spending ARPA funds have been expanded to infrastructure items as well as broadband, sewer and water.
• Adopted a resolution approving the partial termination of Public Act 116 removal of the Vissers’ farm land.
• Gave its blessing to a proposal adding off-road vehicle roads from the village limits to 116th Avenue and a portion of 10th Street.
• Was told by Dugan that it is very likely that a third circuit judge will be added for Allegan County to help lessen the backlogged caseload. He said the state will pay for the judge but the county is on the hook for two more employees.
“We’ve got to get the caseload backlog down to where it’s manageable,” he said.
He also noted he is almost certain to file for re-election and if he wins, he will represent Martin Township on the reapportioned Board of Commissioners, succeeding Rick Cain.