By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
A majority of the membership of the Dowagiac Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Service voted Tuesday night to accept a 180-day management agreement with Life EMS, Director Jackie Evans said Wednesday.
The tentative agreement needs some "fine-tuning," she said, but is expected to be in effect by March 20 and meets her goal of "uninterrupted service to the Dowagiac area like we already have."
Evans expressed her appreciation for the "fabulous" community support the service has received from the city, townships and community in general.
Life EMS, of Kalamazoo, was one of three ambulance companies which made proposals to rescue the ailing service before an audience estimated at 50 people at City Hall.
Also making presentations were SMCAS, the Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service of Niles, and LifeCare Ambulance Service of Battle Creek, which is already affiliated with the Cassopolis area.
Its offer included an $875 monthly charge for managerial services.
The ambulance service's board invited proposals so the non-profit could stay afloat while restructuring.
Dowagiac City Council Feb. 26 extended a $15,000 loan to cover payroll, payroll taxes and fringe benefits for the nine employees.
The no-interest loan must be repaid within 120 days. The service was facing a $119,000 shortfall.
Life EMS is the largest of the three companies and will assume billing for Dowagiac from Kalamazoo.
Any revenue received once a contract is signed will be paid to Life EMS, as will any municipal funds due during the six months.
Evans said factors in the decision for Life EMS included the expected "smooth, seamless transition," a good employment package, agreement to keep the Dowagiac name on the two ambulances and a "good-sized capital investment" to rejuvenate the aging vehicles.