Pittsburgh-area EMS agency proposes 45% hike in annual home fees

Ross/West View Emergency Medical Services has proposed raising the annual fee for residential properties from $55 to $80. The 45% increase would apply to homes and home offices in Ross, West View, Reserve, Millvale, and Ohio Township. The agency plans to implement the change in 2027 if local governments approve the measure.

The proposal also restructures business fees. Currently, small businesses under 4,000 square feet pay $150, while larger operations pay $300. The new system introduces 10 tiers based on square footage. Under this plan, businesses with up to 2,000 square feet would pay $350. Those with more than 100,001 square feet would pay $9,850 annually.

Steve Kline, the interim executive director of the authority, stated that the adjustment aims to distribute costs more evenly between businesses and residents. He noted that roughly half of the agency's call volume is directly related to business operations. Kline explained that the fees have remained flat since 2024, while operating costs have continued to rise.

The agency's financial documents show a tightening budget. In 2026, the EMS authority operated with a $5.4 million budget. It generated $4.2 million in income and $1.2 million from the existing fees. This left a reserve of just $3,000. The authority reports losing $114 on every call in 2025. The average cost per call was $622, while the average payment received was $508.

Kline attributed the rising expenses to personnel costs, including wages, healthcare, and overtime. He also cited increases in fuel, vehicle maintenance, medical supplies, and utilities. The agency employs 28 full-time staff, 32 part-time workers, and 10 volunteers. The proposed fee increase is intended to fund wage increases to match neighboring agencies, build capital equipment funds, and cover station repairs.

Local officials will now consider the proposal. Millvale Council is scheduled to discuss the fees at a workshop meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday. Ross commissioners plan to introduce an ordinance changing the fees at a 7 p.m. meeting on Wednesday. Reserve commissioners will vote to approve advertising an ordinance at their 7 p.m. meeting the same day. All five municipalities must approve the new rates for them to take effect.

The agency has released a presentation on its finances and the new fee structure online. The document is available on the Ross Township website. Kline said the agency is also organizing a community information session for all five towns and smaller meetings to address questions about the proposed changes.