EAST MOLINE, Illinois -
Many East Moline residents showed their displeasure of East Moline's proposed city-run ambulance service. Second Ward Alderman Luis Puentes says he called Wednesday night's meeting so voters would have one last chance to ask questions about the service. Puentes and other aldermen faced outbursts, finger pointing and a few boo's.
Right now, Genesis Medical Center's Illini Hospital provides the city with the service. Residents say they there's nothing wrong with that service and doesn't want to pay taxes for both Illini and the new city-run service. "I think we're doing fine. As everyone says, if it isn't broke, why fix it?" says one resident. "Even if the city gets the ambulance, the tax (for Illini's service) will still continue," says Citizens for a Voice Keene Hart. Taxpayers pay about $200,000 per year for the Illini service.
The meeting changed one nay-sayer into a 'yes' vote. "I was not (for the service) when I came in but I am now. Its $188,000 fixed cost the first year and it may lose money the first year but once that fixed cost is accepted over the years, it should do well," says another resident.
The East Moline Fire Chief says a city-run service will help offset costs of requiring fire fighters to work more hours.
The East Moline City Council already approved to apply for a 0%-interest loan if the city-run ambulance service goes through. Aldermen voted in September to add the non-binding referendum to the ballot for next Tuesday's primary election.
Right now, Genesis Medical Center's Illini Hospital provides the city with the service. Residents say they there's nothing wrong with that service and doesn't want to pay taxes for both Illini and the new city-run service. "I think we're doing fine. As everyone says, if it isn't broke, why fix it?" says one resident. "Even if the city gets the ambulance, the tax (for Illini's service) will still continue," says Citizens for a Voice Keene Hart. Taxpayers pay about $200,000 per year for the Illini service.
The meeting changed one nay-sayer into a 'yes' vote. "I was not (for the service) when I came in but I am now. Its $188,000 fixed cost the first year and it may lose money the first year but once that fixed cost is accepted over the years, it should do well," says another resident.
The East Moline Fire Chief says a city-run service will help offset costs of requiring fire fighters to work more hours.
The East Moline City Council already approved to apply for a 0%-interest loan if the city-run ambulance service goes through. Aldermen voted in September to add the non-binding referendum to the ballot for next Tuesday's primary election.
