Meeting tomorrow between W. Caln and W. Brandywine may resolve issue
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, The Times
A dispute continues over fuel costs for the Westwood Ambulance service.
WEST BRANDYWINE – A dispute over paying fuel costs for the Westwood ambulance service continued at Thursday’s board of supervisors meeting.
At a Sept. 6 meeting, supervisors from West Caln gave a presentation before the board, asking them to consider reimbursing the ambulance service for calls made within West Brandywine.
Under the current contract, neither township is required to provide fuel reimbursement, but West Caln agreed to pay for all fuel costs for the first year to help the fledgling ambulance service. According to Township Manager Ronald Rambo, West Caln is not seeking to alter the ambulance contract.
“I have nothing in writing that says they want to change the contract,” said Rambo.
Westwood EMS Chief John Sly stated that Westwood is not looking to renegotiate the contract, either.
“We don’t want to change contracts; we wish to renew the contract as is,” said Sly.
Supervisor William Webb said he was willing to provide aid to Westwood, even though it was not required of the township.
“I personally believe we should step up and support this … Westwood’s been doing a great job,” said Webb.
Josef Obernier, who heads the three-member board of supervisors, agreed with Webb, adding that he was willing to provide fuel costs until the ambulance service could support itself.
“I think it would be reasonable to share the cost with West Caln with the understanding that it would be something we’re working to end,” said Obernier.
Supervisor Thomas McCaffrey, however, felt that providing Westwood with fuel compensation outside of the contract was the same as paying them, something the township has never had to do before. It is estimated that providing fuel compensation to the ambulance service would cost West Brandywine around $5,500 a year.
“It isn’t appropriate to pay the ambulance service indirectly,” said McCaffrey, prompting an agreement to table the issue for further discussion. A meeting between West Caln and West Brandywine supervisors is scheduled tomorrow in West Caln.
