Our four local townships--Presque Isle, Winchester, Boulder Junction, and Manitowish Waters---are sharing a similar and serious concern. As population continues to grow through the northwoods and as the existing population ages, (that would be all of us, I guess) it is becoming more and more difficult to get EMS trained specialists to serve those of us who live here.
With leadership from the Winchester EMS director Jessie Mabie, the four towns have hired a consultant to study the situation and make recommendations. Last week, on June 6th and 8th, that consultant reported in two separate meetings, one in MW and one in PI.
The first major point was that townships are required by state law to provide emergency services to their residents.
The consultant had been asked to make sure the services they recommend would be: 1) of high coverage to all areas; 2) of highest quality; 3) fiscally responsible.
Their report is 74 pages long, and I have a pdf copy saved to my computer. This report is available to all residents if any of you who would like to take a look.
In the simplest form (as we understood it), they are suggesting two bases, fully staffed by professionals, with centralized locations that may or may not be connected with the four fire stations. The four towns will need additional funding, some coming from Vilas County, and some from increases in property taxes. The consultating firm estimated that the increase would be in the neighborhood of $41 annually on $100,000 of property valuation.
As you can see, many decisions will continue to be made. We left the meeting thinking that the four towns have been far-sighted to tackle this issue on our behalf, and that good services are absolutely necessary for us all to live here with confidence.
Diana Schroeder and Gayle Strand were also present at the meeting, and can answer questions or give you their opinions.
Thank you for this important news Carm.
Posted by: Jeanne | June 15, 2023 at 08:25 AM