MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello said adding an ambulance and transitioning the county’s EMS to a 24/7, 365-day service will increase county revenue by billing for medicaid transports, while also decreasing wait times.
Borrello told reporters following the Chautauqua County Legislature meeting Wednesday that the transition will also boost an already-taxed system.
“By going to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that’ll certainly give us more opportunity to fill the gaps where our paid and volunteer systems are strained already,” Borrello said.
Borrello said taxpayers expect three things: road and bridge maintenance, plowed streets, and for someone to show up when they call 911.
The County Executive also said that EMT’s will also perform in-home visits for “frequent flyers” in an attempt to reduce emergency calls.
Borrello also discussed a reallocation of about $4 million dollars from undesignated fund balance to the capital reserve, which he said would create a greater investment in infrastructure than in years past.
According to Borrello, $3.4 million additional dollars will be invested in Department of Public Facilities equipment and road and bridge improvements. $600 thousand will be additionally invested in county facillities, while another $400 will be invested in other vehicles and equipment.
Multimedia Journalist Justin Gould contributed to this report.
