5 North Hills Communities To Be Charged Annual EMS Service Fee

NORTH HILLS, PA — People in five North Hills municipalities will have to pay a $55 annual fee to support the Ross-West View EMS Authority. The affected communities are Ross, West View, Millvale, Reserve and Ohio.

The deadline to pay the fee is Aug. 31.

"The new fee is assurance that Ross/West View EMSA will have staff, vehicles, and equipment required to provide around the clock emergency protection for you and your family," a message from EMS director Gregory Porter on the service's website stated. "Residents and businesses in our service area will be billed annually for the EMS Fee."

Porter said that that Ross-West View EMSA has been receiving municipal funding support since 2010, but still has had to purchase used vehicles, delaying or not replacing capital equipment and delaying or not repairing. Additionally, staff wages are below industry standards.

The EMS fee is mandatory and will replace the current subscription program and municipal funding support. All residents and business owners and employees will be eligible for a 100 percent write-off of any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance.