Townships partner on ambulance services

OXFORD TWP. — Amid uncertainty with its ambulance services, one local government will pivot from its present-day provider, soon relying on a neighboring political subdivision to transport residents in need. During a recent public meeting, trustees representing the townships of Oxford and Perkins came to terms on a tentative agreement for emergency medical services, often shortened to EMS. The deal, slated to take effect on Jan. 1, involves Perkins fire providing ambulance services to Oxford Township residents. Oxford Township, meanwhile, will continue to receive fire services from its current provider, Groton fire. Why is this happening? This past summer, leaders of Fisher-Titus — which oversees North Central EMS, providing ambulance services to many rural communities, including in Oxford Township — noted the hospital can no longer sustain growing financial losses. North Central EMS has financially struggled for years, according to a letter sent out to government officials by Fisher-Titus. In 2018, the service posted a $2 million operating loss. Since then, leaders said they've taken steps to "rightsize" operations, reduce coverage areas and renegotiate subsidies from local governments. These measures cut annual losses significantly — down to $819,000 in 2024 — but the system still operates at a deficit every year. "The financial reality is that EMS costs are outpacing the funding available from subsidies," Fisher-Titus stated in its outreach to local officials. "This model cannot continue without jeopardizing the stability of both EMS and other health care services." Fisher-Titus wanted township trustees and other local government officials involved with North Central EMS to decide whether forming a joint ambulance district could work. This, however, would require a levy for new money, resulting in people living in areas serviced by North Central EMS to pay more in property taxes. It's not known what a long-term solution might be. Individual jurisdictions, meanwhile, could branch out on their own and pursue different avenues — most notably what Oxford Township did with Perkins fire. Oxford pursues a new option No matter if North Central EMS continues or whether a joint ambulance district is created, cash-strapped municipalities, like Oxford Township, face significant increases in what they pay for these services. For instance, Oxford paid about $17,400 for ambulance services in 2025. A proposal to continue with North Central EMS in 2026 rose by more than 315% to $72,300. The cost increase aims to offset long-term shortfalls, cover inflation and contribute toward a bigger share as North Central EMS stands to lose communities it serves. Since the summertime, Oxford Township trustees have explored other options, one being a partnership with Perkins fire for ambulance services. Perkins fire offered to charge $45,000 in 2026. While it's a 161% increase from what Oxford spent in 2025, it's still 60% less than what North Central EMS wanted. Additionally, the contract with Perkins calls for a one-year renewal if both parties mutually agree to continue. Each subsequent year beyond 2026 would call for a 3% increase. "It is not the intent of Perkins Township to utilize this service as a revenue generator," Perkins fire Chief Dave Murphy said. "We are simply trying to cover our costs. We also want to be fair to the residents of Oxford and the residents of Perkins Township." There's also a plan in place for how Oxford Township residents would pay for ambulance services. "Oxford Township residents would be soft-billed for services like Perkins Township. Residents, as required by law, which means that Perkins will attempt to collect from residents' insurance," according to an Oxford Township statement. "If no insurance payment is made, residents will not be responsible for any payment." The main concern expressed by Oxford Township trustees revolved around response times. Perkins firefighters noted they can reach any area of Oxford Township in a reasonable yet quick amount of time, relatively speaking. Because of many factors — the cost comparison, the professionalism of Perkins' first responders and the stability this department offers — Oxford Township trustees decided to a deal with Perkins fire. Why Perkins will provide help Perkins Township officials believe all residents deserve fast, reliable and competent access to ambulance services. And this deal made sense for both sides "to ensure the residents of Oxford continue to receive quality EMS services," Murphy said. Murphy answered several questions from his perspective: • The level of service: "This change should not significantly impact operations within the Perkins Township Fire Department. Historically, Oxford Township residents call for ambulance services approximately 80 to 100 times per year. This amounts to about one call every three to four days. I feel the Perkins Township Fire Department can adequately absorb these calls for service." • The employment levels: "Hiring of extra staffing will not be required. When an ambulance call in Oxford occurs, extra firefighters will be called back to help cover Perkins Township. The cost of these call-backs is built into the fee schedule, which Oxford will be paying to Perkins Township." • The vehicle deployment: "If an ambulance is in Oxford Township … there will be one less ambulance in Perkins. This is no different than when Perkins Township provides mutual aid squad services to other area agencies, upon request. If an ambulance is in Oxford and both remaining Perkins ambulances are involved in calls and another call comes in, we have the ability to request mutual aid from neighboring jurisdictions." • The past partnership: "Several decades ago, Perkins Township had previously provided services to Oxford Township. I am unaware as to why this relationship ended. Ultimately, it is the goal of myself and the Perkins Township trustees to assist Oxford Township Trustees and residents, ensuring they experience no loss of emergency medical services."