Update: Montgomery County Council officially tables ambo fee, rejects reducing BLS units and accepts volunteer idea to cut EMS duty officers

It appears to be another victory for the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (MCVFRA) in front of the County Council. Besides officially tabling the MCVFRA opposed ambulance fee bill, council members rejected a key element of Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service (MFRS) Acting Fire Chief Richie Bowers’ budget reduction proposal and accepted an idea from MCVFRA.

According to an article on gazette.net, Chief Bowers proposed reducing hours of four basic life support ambulances for a savings of $740,000. The plan, presented to the council by County Executive Isiah Leggett, was rejected.

Council members decided to eliminate two EMS duty-officer positions. This idea was presented last week in a proposal by MCVFRA.

Possibly the positive note for MCFRS officials is the ambulance transport fee bill was just tabled and not voted down. In his statement about the events of the day, County Executive Leggett predicts victory on this issue down the road.

Click here to read the cost saving proposals and responses from both MCFRS and MCVFRA.

Read statement by Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett on County Council actions.

Read Montgomery County Council press release on FY 2009 budget savings plan.