PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP — If there was one thing Julia Goon, Prairie Township trustee of 35-years, wants to stress most to her residents, it is that they can call 911 at anytime and still receive ambulance service.
According to Goon, a recent email sent out from a member of her township who also also works for Lutheran EMS claimed the township would soon not allow Lutheran to assist those within its boundaries after Goon’s refusal to sign a 3-year contract with Lutheran EMS. Goon claims nothing could be further from the truth.
On Sept. 3, Prairie Township Trustee and board members met to discuss a potential contract from Lutheran EMS and Tri-County EMS to service the township.
According to Goon a proposal was given by Lutheran EMS, formerly known as Multi-Township EMS, for a three-year contract with a 25 percent reduction in tax subsidy from previous years — bringing the contracted annual amount to $10,500. Lutheran also proposed in their contract they will be the sole contracted ambulance provider for Prairie Township.
Though the EMS organization has serviced the township for many years, Goon raised concerns with the contract in relation to the organization’s recent sale and purchase by Lutheran Health Network, the for-profit parent company of Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw.
Goon noted in September the township would not be “pushed into a contract” by Lutheran EMS in order to receive the 25 percent reduction, noting her concerns over what she claims was a very secretive and quiet sale of the company.
Today, Goon noted contract negotiations are ongoing between the township and Lutheran EMS with a hopeful agreement possibly on the horizon.
Click here for the full letter written by Goon explaining the Township’s apprehension to accept the initial contract, as well as a brief history of Multi-Township EMS/Lutheran EMS.