Marion City Councilman Josh Daniels has suggested that the City should offer its EMS services to outlying residents, particularly the Green Camp area. Daniels, at the City Council meeting Monday evening, said the City’s service would be less expensive and more accountable than those offered by private providers.
“I would attest that we have the best prices on EMS services in the county, bar none,” said Daniels.
With the recent announcement that Stofcheck Ambulance Service would be ceasing operations, Daniels said several townships are looking for new providers for ambulance services. While other companies may fill the void left by Stofcheck, Daniels said it would simply be another private monopoly. He explained that these companies offer to contract with township trustees at no charge and then make their money by billing the residents that use an ambulance. He said this is essentially a monopoly and the company can then charge residents whatever price they want.
Daniels said some have tried to explain to him that the EMS providers’ prices are all a part of a free market, but he disagrees.
“It’s not the free market when you provide a monopoly to one EMS provider,” stated Daniels.
Daniels said he and others have talked about the idea with Marion Fire Chief Tony Zwolle. Daniels explained that the Bellefontaine Avenue station on the City’s southwest side is in a perfect location to serve the Green Camp area.
In addition to providing Green Camp with a quality service, Daniels said a contract would benefit the City of Marion because it would create some additional revenue that would help open and keep open the station on Bellefontaine Avenue.
There was no other input or comments provided by other council members. Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer said the Stofcheck situation has presented an interesting discussion. He assured Daniels that the administration would look into the issue further.
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