Bennington Township Ambulance Special Assessment Hearing for the area covered by Southwest Shiawassee emergency Services Authority, SSESA, was called to order by Supervisor Lee Ash on September 10, 2012, 7:00pm at the Bennington Township Hall.

Present: Jim Forsythe, Cindy Garber Nancy Zdunic, Lee Ash, Donna Ash.

There were seven residents present.

Mr. Jim Forsythe moved to suspend with regular meeting procedure and move to the Assessment Hearing.  Second by Mrs. Nancy Zdunic.  All board members in favor.  Motion carried.

No correspondence was received regarding this meeting from home owners.

Public Comment:

Mr. John Hurd asked why there was a difference in cost for the two sides of the Township. 

The board responded by indicating that this was the fee that the two different services charged.  Due to the response time that each service was able to provide the Township is split in half at Garrison Rd.

Mr. John Hurd asked if all of the money went to the Ambulance.  The board responded that the entire amount collected per household went to the Ambulance Service.

Mr. John Hurd asked how many households were located in each district.  The board responded that there are approximately 810 households within the district covered by SSESA and approximately 465 households within the district covered by Owosso Township. 

Mr. John Hurd asked what the total take for the Ambulance.  The board responded that for 2011 the total amount to be collected for SSESA was $36,360.00 and for Owosso Township was $13,890.

Mr. John Hurd asked if the $45.00 covered an Ambulance call.  The board responded that it did not, it only guarantees that an Ambulance service covers the area. 

Mr. John Hurd asked if the Laingsburg Ambulance Service covered any of the Township.  The board responded that the Township did not contract with the Laingsburg Ambulance Service because Laingsburg did not provide ALS service. 

Mr. John Hurd asked who decided if an ambulance was sent to an accident.  The board responded that they did not know for sure but would assume 911 decided. 

Mr. John Hurd asked if an ambulance always followed for a non-structural fire.  The board responded that they did not think that an ambulance always followed.

Mr. John Hurd asked if the Township was just going to pay what was asked or question the amounts requested. The board responded that when the SSESA amount was raised from $30.00 to $45.00 per household that a SSESA representative was present at that hearing to answer the reason for the increase. (The increased took place in 2003)

Mr. John Hurd commented that he did not want to pay anymore than the North half or the Township.

Mr. John Hurd commented that he did not want to pay if they were going to bill his insurance anyways.

Mr. Craig Stevens commented that by the time the ambulance arrived you might as well have driven yourself to the hospital.

Mr. Bernie Scollon asked if it was billed by property or by household.  The board responded with the Assessment was per household. 

Mr. Jerry Galesk commented that if you need an ambulance you are not going to squabble over $45.00. 

Mr. Wayne Johnson stated that if you go out west there is not an ambulance on every corner.

Mr. John Hurd stated that this was extortion and he did not want to pay if they will pick you up anyways.

Mr. Bernie Scollon commented that the ambulance will make a transfer if you are in the hospital.

Mr. Jim Forsythe moved to adopt a resolution to renew the Ambulance Special Assessment for the SSESA district at $45.00 per household per year for a term of four years.  Second by Mrs. Nancy Zdunic.  Roll call vote: All board members in present.  Motion carried.

Mr. Lee Ash moved to adjourn.  Second by Mr. Jim Forsythe.  Motion carried.

Adjournment at 7:28pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Donna Ash, Clerk