Here’s what is in the public service levy to address ambulance response times in Wayne County

WAYNE COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – The West Virginia primaries are two weeks away and all eyes are on public safety in Wayne County after rising concerns over ambulance response times.

13 News Reporter Rachel Pellegrino first spotlighted the “Emergency Care Crisis” earlier this year when concerned families spoke up saying they felt “helpless” after calling 911 to be told there was no ambulance available to send.

In February, the Wayne County Commission approved a public service levy to be added to the ballot in May. The levy was adjusted from previous years to include funding for EMS as well as other services such as public libraries, the health department and volunteer fire departments.

“As terrible as it is there have been people that have suffered in this county,” said Fire Chief Robbie Robson, Ceredo VFD. “They’ve died because we can’t get there quick enough.”

The levy is expected to generate about 2.6 million dollars per year with the majority of funding going towards a county-operated EMS service. That system will provide two countywide ambulances operating year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Robson said the levy will also provide supplemental EMS funding to the tune of about $50,000 for the volunteer fire departments that currently provide those services. Those departments will also receive additional funding for fire protection.

“Hopefully with these additional two ambulances that they’re going to add this should decrease the wait time that some people are experiencing for an ambulance,” Robson said. “This is not the ultimate fix. You still may wait 20 minutes, but that’s better than waiting an hour.”

While some voters expressed concerns over increased property taxes and the “all in one” structure of the levy, others told 13 News no matter what it includes their family’s security is worth it.

“When it’s your loved one that needs to be taken to the hospital that needs an ambulance you would pay anything or most people would,” said Mayor Tim Bias, City of Kenova.

The public service levy will cost homeowners anywhere from about $35 to $122 per year. To calculate the cost, homeowners can multiply the value of their home by the levy rate. For example, if your home is valued at $100,000, your annual investment would be about $70.

County officials said for the levy to pass, it needs to be approved by 60% of voters. If passed, it would not take effect until July 1, 2025, and it will apply for the next four fiscal years.

If any resident has questions, officials urge them to contact the Wayne County Commission, Assessor’s Office or their local fire department.

You can read the public service levy here .

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