Town's Ambulance Fees Going Up

Some homeowners are going to be putting up more money for emergency services in 2014.

Property owners in communities served by the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company will see their ambulance fee go up in the new year.

The Daily Times reports that the communities recently approved an increase in the emergency medical service fee from $44 to $53.

The company's district covers towns along the coast between the Maryland border and the Indian River Inlet Bridge. It also includes towns and unincorporated areas west of the Assawoman Canal.

Company President Steve Lett says the increase is a response to a surge in emergency calls and the need for a third ambulance. The company responded to 850 calls last year, the number of calls rose to 1,100 this year, including calls to neighboring stations when their ambulances were busy.

Fenwick Mayor Audrey Serio said that the volunteer emergency services remain cheaper than private options.

“If we were not patrolling ourselves, I can guarantee it would be much higher,” she told the paper.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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