Rowan Co. rescue group asking for $400K in tax dollars

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C.,None — Funding for a Rowan County nonprofit is sparking controversy.

The Rowan County Rescue Squad requested $400,000 a year in tax money to run ambulances for medical calls and accidents.

However, commissioners have expressed concerns that funding the agency is getting expensive.

"Their funding has more than doubled in the past five years," said Commissioner Carl Ford.  "They want a five-year contract at $412,000 a year. That's a little tough to swallow."

Ford said the agency provides a needed service to residents like Sharon Wrisley.

"The ambulance came right away, and I was very impressed with them," she said.

Ford wants to reign in the cost and set clear rules because many volunteer fire departments do the same job.

"We have 10 municipalities; we have volunteer departments and we have Emergency Medical Services," Ford said. "We need to decide who is in charge when they show up."

The county currently pays for the nonprofit out of general funds.

Commissioners will now consider other options like adding a fire tax, but that's a move voters would have to approve.

"Let's study it first, then go from there," Wrisley said. "Let's not make a quick decision."

The committee studying the rescue squad hopes to have a decision by January.

Eyewitness News contacted the Rescue Squad for comment on the requested budget. However, the agency's attorney did not return the calls.

WSOC