West Virginia: What is your county’s approach to funding EMS?
Overview
Emergency medical services (EMS) play a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of communities throughout West Virginia. However, the way these services are funded varies from county to county, often impacting response times, service quality, and the sustainability of local EMS providers.
In West Virginia, EMS funding is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each of the 55 counties has its own method of providing EMS, driven by local needs, economic conditions, and political factors. The diversity in funding sources, whether through local taxes, billing, or community contributions, leads to varying levels of service. As a result, some counties can offer well-staffed, well-equipped EMS services, while others may struggle with understaffing, outdated equipment, or extended response times due to financial constraints.
Source: West Virginia State Auditor, direct email correspondence with local political and EMS leaders, and news articles.
Funding by County
Ambulance Fee: A tax used to fund emergency medical services (EMS) at the county level. It is typically charged per household, with some counties also requiring businesses to pay. Unlike excess levies, which require voter approval, ambulance fees can be imposed by a majority vote of the county commission. This fee is separate from charges for using ambulance services
County Budget Includes Funding for EMS: Some West Virginia counties provide financial support for emergency medical services (EMS) from their general revenue budgets, without relying on specific funding sources such as ambulance fees or excess levies.
EMS Excess Levy: An excess levy is a property tax collected above the regular tax rate, generally providing financial support to local programs such as schools, EMS, fire departments, and public transit. Within a city or county, excess levies must typically be approved by a majority of voters, for a maximum term of five years. These levies can provide funding for up to five years before needing to be renewed.
No or Limited County Funding for EMS: Some counties provide occasional support for EMS, such as one-time donations, funds for specific purchases, or small in-kind contributions from general revenue budgets. This type of support tends to be irregular and challenging to track due to the limited availability of detailed information.