This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
Monday, February 20, 2012
Tuesday Feb. 21 Presentation by Kurtz Ambulance
Kurtz Ambulance Service will be giving a presentation to the Public Health and Safety Committee on Tuesday, February 21 @ Peru City Hall 6:30 PM Public attendance is always appreciated. If you are free please stop by and listen.
The presentation by Kurtz Ambulance Service of New Lenox IL was attended mostly by PVAS employees and a few residents of the city . Aldermen Perez, Mayszak, Ferrari and Ankiewicz attended the meeting. Where were the rest of the aldermen who claim to represent the residents of the city? So not present was Ald. Radtke, Ald. Lukosus, Ald.Potthoff and Ald. Waldorf. How can they make informed decisions about the ambulance service if they are not even there to hear the presentation? And Mayor Harl was also a no show. this is again like the stop sign fiasco at the last meeting, aldermen voting on a sign when they did not even visit the location. Kurtz gave a very informative, educational presentation in a very professional manner. This was everything the meeting last week was not but what it should have been. Mayor Harl and aldermen(who did not attend) we the citizens of Peru are sorry you don't think this was an important topic and something you should be on top of and try to gain as much knowledge as possible to make important decisions concerning the residents of this city. It is our loss but it may be yours also in the years to come.
Wasn't at the meeting. Did Rodney represent the fire department? Was the fire chief jeff king there at the meeting? Nobody mentioned if he were there. You know he would like to oversee the ambulance service if ever it would be located out of the fire station, that's why he would like to be a full time (big salary) fire chief. If he weren't at the meeting it's a good possibility he was on another much needed vacation again. I noticed that Gary Eccles once again the one who commented on behalf of the fire department in tues. News trib., regarding westclock rekindling mon.
Steve, When one throws their hat into the political arena it has been taken for granted that he or she will place that responsibility at the top of their priorities. Being elected to the uno numero position of political leadership, it is expected by the majority, that this person will also become as highly educated on the topics which are being or going to be discussed by the council as he or she can be. Upon reaching the time frame when the council will converse and vote on a ambulance service, the Mayor's chair should be occupied by an educated and influential director in the thought process of the council. I have been informed that the Mayor of Peru has elected to not attend any meetings related to the present ambulance service or other services presentations. Have we the citizens created this position we are in by voting for a part time mayor whom is paid $32,000.00 per year and possibly more as liquor commissioner. The recent actions of our present Mayor Harl is making a strong case for a full time Mayor or we should hire a city manager to the power position. (THE JOB COMES BEFORE A SOCIAL LIFE) If the mayoral position is just needed for a figure head then a part time mayor at a lot less pay could handle these responsibilities.
I look at those who cannot decide what is most important to taxpayers of the city are not working mayors but figure heads only. A mayor needs to be educated in what is happening or what needs to be done and express himself accordingly. To conduct city council meetings multi tasking, reading and signing documents and not allowing equal presentation of all citizens is not the candidate who was elected nor will be re-elected.
Ald. Perez represented the city and not the FD and will not vote on the issue when it goes before the council. Chief King was at a MABIS convention in Peoria and was represented by Asst. Chief Jim Duncan. As I said before, the elected city officials by and large show no interest in doing the best they can for this city and learning and listening. Unless it is an IML meeting and then they find it necessary to go to Chicago. This in itself says so much about our elected officials. And we are still waiting for one bit of information from the IML which leads us to believe it was all fun and games again.
the ambulance presentation lasted until 7:30 PM and some people stayed for more information after the meeting. Right Spice was busy way past 7, so don't know what was still going on there. It's all a matter of setting priorities. IMHO.
If you came to a meeting after being invited and the officials were basically not available to listen to you what would you think?
Appears that the "Celebrity Waiter" believes it is more important to perform public relations than to learn about public safety. If I was invited to conduct a presentation to city officials and the Mayor blew me off I would have second thoughts about wanting to service that city while his administration was in office. Where was the Budget Director and the Economic Development Director besides public safety this also had to do with financing and jobs. Kurtz Ambulance has to learn to be prominent in Peru you have to buy dinner and cocktails and forget wasting time with public meetings. Did anyone give them Eakas Corporations phone number to schedule lessons?
What a let down from our last election. Out of 4 only 2 seem to care what goes on with our city by staying involved. I'm very curious now if other city officials were with Mayor Harl? I would have thought at least the other 2 new Alderman would have been following this ambulance thing closer. I'm sure Alderman Pothof wouldnt care to attend because of his special interest with PVAS along with his arrogance.
At the very least everyone should have at least made an appearance at this meeting last night. When you invite someone to your city at least be respectful and show up.
I just read the news trib. "Alderman Ferarri declined to comment"??? " UN-REAL!!!! What is the SECRET Alderman Ferarri?... are you afraid to upset your Baker Boss?
Nice PR mayor Harl with your picture in today's paper. If anybody notices that alderman Ferrari doesn't seem to be Involved and comment offer on certain issues. Is he really a alderman for the good if the city or he's just bored. I've noticed that on these blogs he has been asked to respond to questions being asked in regards to the fire/safety. Never has he. Alderman Perez occasionally does if he feels fit on some not all questions. Alderman Ferrari, even at council meetings you seem like you could care less. Maybe I'm wrong. Just an observation. For crying out loud Tony were you not voted in as alderman to represent your ward???? Easy way out to "not comment.". Dint be on committees if your not going to participate for crying out loud. What's Morris's population?? Peru's?
wow is the mayor a mayor or is he a waiter-too bad his priorities are not on straight, say want you want steve that is bad... hurry up election we need new blood
Sorry, I left the 6:38 post that should have read: "Alderman Lukosus prior commitment.. WAS at the fundraiser event with Scott"!! I take it Perez is just going through the motions with this whole ambulance fiasco because it's clear no one from the city cares to hear what is going on at those meetings. For Ferari to tell the press "no comment" only means one thing---"I don't want to get involved" Kind of like pleading "No Contest" when you could be up SH** crick for opening your mouth. Harl, Ferari,Ratdke,Ankeiwitcz and now Lukosus has to go at the next election.
Did you ever think that Ald. Ferari said no comment because he has not seen any numbers on cost from PSI or Kurtz ambulance. You are trying to make Mr. Ferrari make a decision without the most important part of this whole thing and that is the proposals. They most certainly could be a game changer. I for one hope the council is smart enough to realize that the $48,000 they pay PVAS is a fraction of what they will pay to these other two providers. Look at Kurtz ambulance service in Morris, Morris supplements the ambulance between $150,000 and $200,000 per year. The only one guarentees to make a profit in this whole dwal is Kurt ambulance.We're do you supose this extra money would come from in Peru? Can you say higher property taxes? The city needs to wake up and realize how good the city has it with a provider like PVAS.
How many years has the city been donating PVAS $48,000 per year and how many years would it take PVAS to need a donation of $200,000 per year, or better yet when PVAS reaches the need of a annual $200,00 donation what will Kurtz cost Peru?
11:36 Why is it everything we see or hear is "$48,000?" If PVAS sold the building, sold the suv, along with many other assets i'm sure are not needed how much revenue would be showing in the books of PVAS? Wait! I gues PVAS couldn't sell all of that because then it would show a profit and a 501-c can't do that. How many employees lost their job after PVAS lost Lasalle because according to the paper last year there was going to be huge job losses and cut backs. I believe PVAS Board is good enough behind the scenes to make it look like big cuts were made but we know that is nonsense. My point here is, we always hear Peru only pays 48,000.00 well if Peru took it over put the ambulances in the firehouse what would the numbers really look like? what about "REVENUE?" I'm not saying Peru would get rich but I believe PVAS would not be doing this for passion of the job. I believe maybe the employees do, but what about the behind the scene shadow's that run PVAS Who is listed on the LLC papers that is benefiting? I would bet if Peru took that ambulance service over the truth would surface and Peru would find that 48,000 as a savings with money in the bank, maybe not right away but perhaps 5 years down the road?
The city of Peru is pretty much in the dark as to the finances of PVAS. The only information shared with the city is what they call an Activity Summary for the Month. An example is that in November of 2011, they responded to 236 calls. This included 124 emergencies for Peru, 1 emergency for Dimmick, 0 from Peru Twp. and 109 transfers. of the 25 emergencies, 83 were transported, 38 refused treatment and 4 were DOA or disregarded.. Also 2 intercept requests with Lostant. Because of their 501C status, we are never told how much money that generated, how much Medicare, Medicaid, how much insurance. Regardless we donate 4,000 per month whether there is a need or not. I do believe in this situation, the service needs to share their finances with the city. Is there a possibility that we are giving where it is not needed. And of course who is going to refuse a donation? Think about the Blood Swear and Gears donation to the ambulance. When the show takes place, the city has already given them $1000 to give to the PVAS service. Even if the show is rained out and something else occurs, it seems that the #1000 is given to PVAS. In spite of the fact that the council and the organization likes to tell you how much they generate for the community through the Hotel Motel tax, eating out etc. When in fact most are locals or near locals, the show does not generate anything outside entry fees etc.and PVAS cooks for them. They will deny any affiliatation with the city, yet as far as I know Mr Roberson still has a municipal plate on his SUV. The current alderman sitting on the PVAS board will tell you nothing and that happens to be Ankiewicz and Potthoff.You might say that all of this is as clear as mud or status quo in the city.
2:09. Please tell me how puting ambulances in the fire station will generate REVEUNE? If you listen to what Kurtz ambulance stated in there meeting Morris, which he said would compate well to Peru, subsides the ambulance between $150,000 and $200,000 PER YEAR. In case you don't want to do the math Peru could pay PVAS for 3-4 years for this same amount. Kurtz ambulance are the only people making a profit in this setup.
PVAS owns the ambulances, the equipment, and the building. PVAS is a not for profit so if they go out of business everything would be sold and all money would have to be donated to a like not for profit. PVAS could choose to donate to any not for profit ambulance service in the state. The city does not own any of the equipment and PVAS wOuld be under no obligation to give or sell the equipment or building to the city.
Blood, Sweat and Gears holds more than one event in the city. The money given to PVAS is from entry fees paid by the people showing there cars and from food and drinks sold by volunteers from PVAS. The money given to them is not turned around and given to PVAS. That is spent, I would guess on advertising and plaques for the drivers for there numerous events. If the entries are down due to rain, the total for PVAS Is down too.
Isn't the procedure when something goes for bid that it's posted what we want and anyone that wants to bid mails in their bid and they are opened at the council meeting ? Why is it that this bid letting is taking months and months to do ? If Kurtz knew they were giving their presentation why couldn't they have the exact figures when they came ? Kind of incompetance ? Even when they come back for another meeting , i don't see how we can justify a almost $200,000 annual fee over a $48,000 annual fee .
Isn't the procedure when something goes for bid that it's posted what we want and anyone that wants to bid mails in their bid and they are opened at the council meeting ? Why is it that this bid letting is taking months and months to do ? If Kurtz knew they were giving their presentation why couldn't they have the exact figures when they came ? Kind of incompetance ? Even when they come back for another meeting , i don't see how we can justify a almost $200,000 annual fee over a $48,000 annual fee .
I believe the city of Peru is just researching other options I haven't read or heard anywhere that Peru is bidding. I do have a question for one of you PVAS people though. Firefighters can't walk off the job and quit, or strike. Are there any State and Federal Laws that would stop PVAS from closing their doors or employees just quitting or picketing? Where would the city of Peru be then? I don't think anyone can say it wouldn't happen. Let's say what if? Well the city would have to make sure that wouldn't happen and to assure that, making it a city Emergencey service is a huge insurance policy for the city. So I as a tax payer would pay more for that policy. I think most would. Even if the city hired an outside service they are still under the same federal law. Is PVAS? Umm " NO "!!
who says the firemen cant walk out? I am sure if something happens and they all agree they could. I think Dalzell firefighters all walked out or it was some small town around here.
7:26 is reffuring to a law that says union firefighters can not strike during contract negoations. Peru fire is made up of mostly paid on call or POCs. Saying that a POC can't quit or walk off the job is one of the most ridiculous things I have heard. What are they going to do send the police to their house and drag them out of bed if there is a fire? PVAS was founded in 1980 and has been there to answer the call ever since. That's 24/7 365 days a year. That means days, nights, weekends, holidays etc. To say that they may not be there to justify paying higher taxes is a joke. By the way if Peru signed a contract with Kurtz or PSI, who's to say that they can't go out of business and leave Peru high and dry.
Have you driven past the fire station and looked in the doors? Pretty full in there, where would they put the ambulances? They would have to build another building to house them. How much would that cost? Plus the utilities, manpower, insurance, maintance on the building and ambulances, medical supplies to stock the ambulances. Who pays all that right now? I dont think the city does. So where would that money come from since the city is broke, raise taxes?
The police go to the firemans house and pull them out of bed! I've been laughing my cheeks off for an hour over that blog!!!!!!!!the police would have a hard time wAking the fireman up because all of them just finished a night of partying possibly. It's amazing how many vehicles with firefighter plates are parked outside of establishments for several hours, I guess they eat alot! Oh, I forgot a couple establishments don't serve food!!! How much would it be to get that ff plate for my truck-car? Do I have to be a fireman to get plate? Will this plate help me not get pulled over at 1,2,3 a.m. by the law for driving too slow? Please answer someone! Just observations, questions and my opinion. Still laughing, did anyone else???
1:52PM, Just an FYI, But ANYONE can get the Firefighter Memorial Plates, just like anyone can get the Police Memorial Plates. You don't need any special paperwork to secure them, but I like how you insinuate that just because you have them, you get special privleges. I also like how you insinuate that all the firemen spend long hours in local drinking establishments. I'm glad you posted your comment anonomously since it might be hard for all those drunk firemen to find your house when it burns down.
The memorial plates are purchased to benefit the memorial in the state capital for fallen firefighters. There is no such memorials for EMS because line of duty deaths for EMS does not include falling out of a chair at a local resturaunt where you spend all of your time. How about the M plate on Mr Robersons PVAS vehicle out at the race track along with PVAS equipment to support his private business. If you think thats ok then let Mr Roberson advise the city council in writing that the PVAS equipment is being used for his private business and let the chips fall where they may. How about a little information about his previous employment history and why he reasons for leaving.
Hey 4:23 EMS deaths do occur every day in this country. Very mature for you to poke fun at these tragic accidents.
The reason PVAS equipment is at the race track is they have a contract and pay PVAS to have that equipment there to cover the races.So good job on all the research and thanks for exposing such a scandal going on right under everybody's nose.
If Mr Roberson is there with the ambulance why is he wearing his private security firm uniform. Why is his wife driving the suv with the same uniform on. Why does this happen when his firm is hired by other venues out of the area and pvas is not part of the contract. I will wait for your explination. Many have withessed this and many from pvas know this practice is going on.
Many at PVAS also want Roberson gone, as previously documented on this blog. Funny how PVAS has nothing to do with the City, yet his SUV has an "M" plate registered to the City of Peru and the employees of PVAS are carried under the City's workmans comp. PVAS is a good organization under horrible management.
Thanks for jogging my memory about the insurance claims, yes that is true and also that the Fire Chief was going there to teach safety procedures because they PVAS was coming up with 2 many insurance claims. This had to be because the city was bearing the brunt of too many incidents being sent in to the insurance.
They were covered under the city umbrella until Mayor Harl put a stop to it. Baker for years allowed that service to milk the city for money putting them on the workmans comp insurance. The should pay the city back that amount. I think all of this should be brought out into the open. I understand that Henry Hackman and Dave pottoff are now part of the Board. I assume these pilliars of the community could speak up and justify that being done. No wonder why PVAS was always bragging about being the best and most stable service in the area. everyone else was paying the bills and they were forcing local residents to use their service with help from Bakers cronies on the board at the Hospital. When Baker is gone the house of cards will collapse. i have an idea. These board members cannot make a decision without the "Don" because they are to agraid to make him mad. To many people living in the past in that town.
9:16AM That's a great question that has yet to be answered. Just like the fact that the SUV has a municipal "M" plate, the employees have been covered under the City's workmans comp insurance for years. Yet PVAS is the first to jump up and say they are independent of the city. Another point of contention, which was one reason LaSalle left, was the composition of the board of directors. How are aldermen on the board of directors of PVAS? As aldermen, they are supposed to be as frugal as possible with your tax dollars. However as members of the board of directors, they make decisions about what to do with those tax dollars that have been appropriated by the city, in the best interest of PVAS. How can they make decisions in the best interests of the city and PVAS without there being a conflict of interest?
You are right there is and always has been a conflict of interest between voting members of the council and being on the Board of Directors of PVAS and even with TEST as Ankiewicz has a daughter working for them. Does the "conflict of interest" bother either Ald. Ankiewicz or Ald Potthoff, evidently not. They temporarily ride out the storm the blog continually returns to about PVAS management and wait for everything to return to what they consider the norm. Peru residents need to develop long term memory before and at the next election. They need to look at the broader picture and not only how their voting decision affects his/her individual ward but the effect on the entire city and all its residents and do this by looking at the voting records of all those running for office once again. Keep informed and stay current.
How is siting on the board of directors of PVAS and being an alderman on the city a conflict of intrest? It was set up this way so the city has some say in how there money is spent. The alderman VOLUNTEER there time when they are serving on the board for PVAS. So with no compesation, how can that be a conflict of intrest? The workermans comp is paid for by PVAS. The city does not pay ANYTHING for or to PVAS except the $4,000 a month.
Funny seems to me a couple of weeks ago, everbodys problem with PVAS was th $48,000 a year. Now after hearing other ambulance services pitch their high dollar plan, $48,000 looks like a bargin, therefore you people need something else to complain about.
8:54PM It's a conflict of interest because as an aldermam of our City, it is their duty to spend our tax dollars as efficiently and wisely as possible for all services and purchases. As a member of the board of directors for PVAS, it is their duty to ensure the fiscal stability and health of the organization, and that includes setting the $4,000 per month contract fee. So, how can they be objective when they sit in the PVAS board meeting and write the contract and set the fee, and then come back to the City Council, and vote to approve it?
In regards to your other comment about PVAS being a bargain compared to the other services, I think you have your facts wrong or were asleep at the meetins. Yes, PVAS only receives $48,000 per year from the City for its services. Yes, on its face, it would seem that going with another provider would cost the City more. However there is one thing that you, and many others are overlooking. Currently, the City receives none of the revenue generated by the ambulance calls within the City. If the City were to switch providers, the City would receive 100% of all revenue collected from calls within the city. Now, not every call generates revenue, and not every bill gets paid. Generally speaking, 60-70% (very low estimate) of the bills that are sent out actually get paid. If the City were to switch providers, it would be from these funds, that the new provider would be paid and supplies would be purchased from. LaSalle dumped PVAS last year, and from the reports the fire chief has given the City Council, they have been breaking even each month, and I don't believe they do anywhere near the amount of calls or transfers that PVAS currently do. If it worked for them, why wouldn't it work here?
$48,000 a year is a bargain. I don't understand ambulance services nor do I understand how PVAS keeps the cost so low and the quality so high but I am not complaining. Keep up the good work PVAS.
It is a great bargain for PVAS, they get to keep all the money generated by the money paid to them by insurance companies, Medicaid and Medicare plus the city of Peru throws in an additional $4000 per month for which they are not accountable to the City for even one IV set up or one gallon of gas. The city should demand an accurate and honest expenditure accounting of those funds or they stop.
I forgot to mention, by PVAS' own figures, when LaSalle asked them repeatedly for the annual revenue generated off of 911 calls alone, I believe the figure Mr. Roberson provided for LaSalle only was $320,000. With all the 911 calls in Peru and all of the transfers that PVAS does, just reference the monthly activity report, I wonder what their annual revenue is, even though LaSalle dropped them. I bet 2 aldermen know, but who says they will inform the council or citizens? With figures like that, its hard to believe they need the $48,000 were paying them per year.
I was at every meeting and paying attention. Under no offer does Peru keep 100% of the billing. Both other services use a third party biller and both charge a percent of what is collected. If you were at the meetings and awake, Kurtz ambulance said that the city of Morris recently reduced there cost of ambulance service becuse of an increase in calls. They said the residents of Morris pay between $150,000 and $200,000 a year. So this is an improvement, then what were they paying before last years increase in calls $250,000 maybe? How in world can you say Peru will be the exception and make money?
We have no idea if for fact Lasalle is breaking even. You are taking the word of the person that wanted his own ambulance service. Have we seen any proof that he is making money?
You want financial data from the ambulance service in La Salle and the city does not even get financial data from the ambulance service serving Peru. I bet you don't know either. How do we know that PVAS actually needs funding from the city as they present no financial information...nothing. Do you have an answer for us? Why not PVAS giving their financials to the taxpayers of Peru? And let LaSalle take care of themselves.
I apologize, I forgot about the 3-5% billing fee. I guess that is a large percentage considering that currently we are shelling out $48,000 per year for the service, instead of collecting a percentage of the proceeds collected. I'm not sure what you were reading, but I did not say that Peru would make money. In fact, all Peru would have to do to "make" money, is end the year with less than a $48,000 shortfall. The tidbit I got about LaSalle was reported in the NewsTrib, maybe not as reliable as some, but I atleast back up my arguments, instead of flinging aimless mud.
Yes and what happens when Peru ends the year with a $100,000 a year shortfall? Who foots the bill? Kurtz is guaranteed there money regardless of what Peru collects. If everyone doesn't mind paying higher taxes than Kurtz would be a way to go.
I personally would be counting on them to run their business much better than either the City of Peru or PVAS runs theirs. I would be counting on professional management which is something we do not see at this time.
There is a solution that looks to be supported by those that critize the current service. The solution is simple! Set up another taxing body like a Fire District that would tax all property owners for the service. That would cost each property holder/business a tax, maybe $1.13 per thousand. A homeowner would pay about 113.00 a year for fires/ambulance. That is if your house is worth $100,000. Sorry no Senior exemptions included. A business like Easkas would pay only $40,000 per year. Based on tax bills. You would also pay your ambulance fee. That is the very choice you have. Get in line to sign up!
10:23 & 10:30 I love your logic, how flawed it may be. You automatically assume that if another party were to come in and assume the ambulance service, taxes will have to be raised to support it. The fact of the matter is, PVAS receives no tax money aside from the $48,000 hand out that our city council gives them each year. If they can survive off of that and call and transfer revenue, why isn't it feasable that another entity couldn't do the same?
For someone calling them self business sense you hav none. The problem comes when you bring a private service who is in business to make a PROFIT. PVAS is a not for profit. If you were at the meeting with Kurtz ambulance he stated this COULD be a money generator in 5 to 8 years down the road. So how do you pay the difference till then. Let's see at $150,000 a year for 5 to 8 years comes to about $ 750,000 to to $1,200,000 total. Seems to me you could pay PVAS for a whole lot of years for $1,000,000. Please rember these were the words of the presenter who had it in his best interest to paint a best case sceraino picture. It could be much worse.
Has anyone in the city or otherwise contacted Morris and talked to the fire chief to see how happy they are with Kurtz ambulance. Also would be nice to know exactly what the city pays out if pocket to Kurtz every year.
All your blather about profit etc is meaningless simply because PVAS releases no financial information. Until they do this talk they provide cheap service to the is also meaningless. And when someone else gives generalized figures you scream. It is very easy to badmouth a company that offers to give us information and I believe a more complete analysis is forthcoming after they are given some facts and figures to work with. Will PVAS be putting their figures on the table along with the other companies? Honest accounting. And forget the $48,000 because that is a gift from the city and is not the amount used to run the service.
You can call it a gift if you want but the $48,000 a year is the only cost to the city for ambulance service. If the city hires one of the other ambulance services, I can be sure of one thing, it will cost every tax payer in this city money and I will be the first to say told you so. I know for one I don't want my alderman gambleing with my tax money.
1:35 PM Your comment makes Peru look pretty stupid and inefficient as all cities surrounding us have developed ambulance services without costing the city money. Some may be breaking even but at no cost to the city. LaSalle is functioning well and can be proud of themselves and has Princeton. Has anyone looked at Streator with AMT, how is it going there?
The federal tax returns of all non-profits are available online. You can search here - http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/ and find the PVAS returns up through 2010. So, stop speculating and research if you really want to know.
You can call it a gift if you want but the $48,000 a year is the only cost to the city for ambulance service. If the city hires one of the other ambulance services, I can be sure of one thing, it will cost every tax payer in this city money and I will be the first to say told you so. I know for one I don't want my alderman gambleing with my tax money.
Lois please show me proof that any of these ambulance services are not costing tax payers any money? Show me a finicial report, a budget something, anything. If Lasalle is running so great why are they always beging there guys for coverage?
Direct quote from the NewsTrib a few months back about LaSalle's service that everyone said would never work: "After roughly six months, La Salle’s decision to establish it’s own ambulance service within the city’s fire department is paying off. “I’m happy to say things are going very well,” fire chief Andy Bacidore said during a city council meeting Monday night. With payments coming in during recent months the department has gotten a better sense of revenue expectations and based on the current call volume, the system is working well, according to Bacidore. “It’s virtually eliminating the monthly stipend we were paying to Peru,” he said. Previously the city was paying $48,000 a year to receive ambulance coverage from Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service."
Obviously there are alternatives out there. PVAS isn't the only option Peru has. LaSalle has shown that other models work. 2:48PM, it sounds like they need to add personnel.
Right Spice is where the mayor was a celebrity waiter on Feb. 21 during the ambulance presentation. How can 4 fireman (chief King, and asst. Chief Duncan), 2 other officers (possibly officers), be in an establishment enjoying cocktails at the same time in case there would be a fire call. WHO WOULD BE IN CHARGE????? Observed at the Right Spice several days ago! The bar/restaurant was crowded and this was observed by many taxpayers . Shouldn't someone either the fire chief or asst. Fire chief have some control here??? It's SOP(standard operating procedure) that if alcohol is consumed, a fireman doesn't go to calls. Can they still get $32 for staying at the station??? I bet it's been done. The reason this is being blogged is because I was surprised with all the fire department issues that I've read about, so I guess this gives one another thing to ponder. My opinion to ponder.
Business sense: if you are buying a business from me are you going to take my word that the business is in great shape and making money or are you going to ask to see some finicial reports that show my business is making money? Would you expect the guy that pushed so hard for his own ambulance service to stand up and say its not working as well as we planned? It's in Bacidore's best interest to paint a rosey picture of everything. The News-Tribune report just repeated what Bacidore reported to the city council.
The NewsTribune reported on a City Council meeting, not on a 1 on 1 interview. As Bacidore is an appointed official, it would be pretty stupid of him to lie to his superiors since they can easily fact check him by pulling the financial statements themselves.
Why doesn't Peru FD just hire more fulltime FF/PM's and staff an ambulance and bill the residents for the service. The residents of Peru would get an ambulance much faster and can depend on fulltime paramedics being at the station 24/7.
Last I heard peru's fire chief doesn't have EMT certification. Someone check please. Also does peru's asst. Fire chief have EMT. Certification? How many firefighters have it?
First off the city of Peru isn't big enough to have a full time fire department. Secondly, there are times where there are no fire calls for a a few days in a row. Why pay 8-12 firefighters to sit and play poker and cards. Also, don't be oblivious to the costs of a full time department. Full time fire departments have job requirements such as degrees from fire academy's, also EMT certifications. Also, insurance /pensions. Didn't I read that peru's fire chief Jeff King was asking for $120,000 year to be full time fire chief several month ago?? Credential??? Did he think he was living in Hoffman Estates,Plainfield.??? Peru better grow about double it's size to even consider a full time Fire department. It won't happen in my lifetime. Say 20 full time fireman at $50,000 year, that's 1 MILLION in Just salary!!!! Having a volunteer (paid per call) Fire Department is sufficient for Peru. I don't Want higher property taxes or sales taxes, do you?
78 comments:
The presentation by Kurtz Ambulance Service of New Lenox IL was attended mostly by PVAS employees and a few residents of the city .
Aldermen Perez, Mayszak, Ferrari and Ankiewicz attended the meeting. Where were the rest of the aldermen who claim to represent the residents of the city?
So not present was Ald. Radtke, Ald. Lukosus, Ald.Potthoff and Ald. Waldorf. How can they make informed decisions about the ambulance service if they are not even there to hear the presentation? And Mayor Harl was also a no show. this is again like the stop sign fiasco at the last meeting, aldermen voting on a sign when they did not even visit the location.
Kurtz gave a very informative, educational presentation in a very professional manner. This was everything the meeting last week was not but what it should have been.
Mayor Harl and aldermen(who did not attend) we the citizens of Peru are sorry you don't think this was an important topic and something you should be on top of and try to gain as much knowledge as possible to make important decisions concerning the residents of this city.
It is our loss but it may be yours also in the years to come.
Lois: The four absentees from this meeting have obviously already made their decision. Why else would they not attend.
Harl was volunteering as March of Dimes "Celebrity Waiter" event 5 to 7 p.m. last night at Right Spice.
I don't know if any aldermen were at that charity event as well.
Steve, the Right Spice is how far from City Hall where the presentation
took place?
Wasn't at the meeting. Did Rodney represent the fire department? Was the fire chief jeff king there at the meeting? Nobody mentioned if he were there. You know he would like to oversee the ambulance service if ever it would be located out of the fire station, that's why he would like to be a full time (big salary) fire chief. If he weren't at the meeting it's a good possibility he was on another much needed vacation again. I noticed that Gary Eccles once again the one who commented on behalf of the fire department in tues. News trib., regarding westclock rekindling mon.
Was the presentation over at 7:00 as was the doings at the Right Spice?
Was the presentation by Kurtz over at 7:00 as was the doings at the Right Spice? Aren't those two buildings close to each other? Just curious!
Steve, When one throws their hat into the political arena it has been taken for granted that he or she will place that responsibility at the top of their priorities.
Being elected to the uno numero position of political leadership, it is expected by the majority, that this person will also become as highly educated on the topics which are being or going to be discussed by the council as he or she can be. Upon reaching the time frame when the council will converse and vote on a ambulance service, the Mayor's chair should be occupied by an educated and influential director in the thought process of the council.
I have been informed that the Mayor of Peru has elected to not attend any meetings related to the present ambulance service or other services presentations.
Have we the citizens created this position we are in by voting for a part time mayor whom is paid $32,000.00 per year and possibly more as liquor commissioner. The recent actions of our present Mayor Harl is making a strong case for a full time Mayor or we should hire a city manager to the power position. (THE JOB COMES BEFORE A SOCIAL LIFE) If the mayoral position is just needed for a figure head then a part time mayor at a lot less pay could handle these responsibilities.
I look at those who cannot decide what is most important to taxpayers of the city are not working mayors but figure heads only. A mayor needs to be educated in what is happening or what needs to be done and express himself accordingly. To conduct city council meetings multi tasking, reading and signing documents and not allowing equal presentation of all citizens is not the candidate who was elected nor will be re-elected.
Ald. Perez represented the city and not the FD and will not vote on the issue when it goes before the council. Chief King was at a MABIS convention in Peoria and was represented by Asst. Chief Jim Duncan. As I said before, the elected city officials by and large show no interest in doing the best they can for this city and learning and listening. Unless it is an IML meeting and then they find it necessary to go to Chicago. This in itself says so much about our elected officials. And we are still waiting for one bit of information from the IML which leads us to believe it was all fun and games again.
Just thought you might want to know where the Mayor was. Draw your own conclusions.
To 11:45 a.m. - My goodness, you're strict!
I'm curious though. Do you hold "all" elected officials to the same standards? Because, I do!
11:41 AM
the ambulance presentation lasted until 7:30 PM and some people stayed for more information after the meeting. Right Spice was busy way past 7, so don't know what was still going on there. It's all a matter of setting priorities. IMHO.
If you came to a meeting after being invited and the officials were basically not available to listen to you what would you think?
Appears that the "Celebrity Waiter" believes it is more important to perform public relations than to learn about public safety. If I was invited to conduct a presentation to city officials and the Mayor blew me off I would have second thoughts about wanting to service that city while his administration was in office.
Where was the Budget Director and the Economic Development Director besides public safety this also had to do with financing and jobs.
Kurtz Ambulance has to learn to be prominent in Peru you have to buy dinner and cocktails and forget wasting time with public meetings. Did anyone give them Eakas Corporations phone number to schedule lessons?
2:32Pm
Thank you for your insightful post with more than a tsp of truth.
What a let down from our last election. Out of 4 only 2 seem to care what goes on with our city by staying involved. I'm very curious now if other city officials were with Mayor Harl? I would have thought at least the other 2 new Alderman would have been following this ambulance thing closer. I'm sure Alderman Pothof wouldnt care to attend because of his special interest with PVAS along with his arrogance.
At the very least everyone should have at least made an appearance at this meeting last night. When you invite someone to your city at least be respectful and show up.
I asked and these were the answers I got. Ald Radtke was out of town, Ald Potthoff makes no apologies and Ald Lukosus has prior commitments.
I just read the news trib. "Alderman Ferarri declined to comment"??? " UN-REAL!!!! What is the SECRET Alderman Ferarri?... are you afraid to upset your Baker Boss?
Nice PR mayor Harl with your picture in today's paper. If anybody notices that alderman Ferrari doesn't seem to be
Involved and comment offer on certain issues. Is he really a alderman for the good if the city or he's just bored. I've noticed that on these blogs he has been asked to respond to questions being asked in regards to the fire/safety. Never has he. Alderman Perez occasionally does if he feels fit on some not all questions. Alderman Ferrari, even at council meetings you seem like you could care less. Maybe I'm wrong. Just an observation. For crying out loud Tony were you not voted in as alderman to represent your ward???? Easy way out to "not comment.". Dint be on committees if your not going to participate for crying out loud. What's Morris's population?? Peru's?
Alderman Lukosus prior commitment "was the fundraiser with Scott".
population of Peru 10, 295
population of Morris 13,636
wow is the mayor a mayor or is he a waiter-too bad his priorities are not on straight, say want you want steve that is bad... hurry up election we need new blood
Anon 6:38 Ald. Lukosus' comment makes sense because at most restarants for every CELEBRITY WAITER there is a DUMB WAITER.
Sorry, I left the 6:38 post that should have read: "Alderman Lukosus prior commitment.. WAS at the fundraiser event with Scott"!!
I take it Perez is just going through the motions with this whole ambulance fiasco because it's clear no one from the city cares to hear what is going on at those meetings. For Ferari to tell the press "no comment" only means one thing---"I don't want to get involved" Kind of like pleading "No Contest" when you could be up SH** crick for opening your mouth. Harl, Ferari,Ratdke,Ankeiwitcz and now Lukosus has to go at the next election.
Did you ever think that Ald. Ferari said no comment because he has not seen any numbers on cost from PSI or Kurtz ambulance. You are trying to make Mr. Ferrari make a decision without the most important part of this whole thing and that is the proposals. They most certainly could be a game changer.
I for one hope the council is smart enough to realize that the $48,000 they pay PVAS is a fraction of what they will pay to these other two providers. Look at Kurtz ambulance service in Morris, Morris supplements the ambulance between $150,000 and $200,000 per year. The only one guarentees to make a profit in this whole dwal is Kurt ambulance.We're do you supose this extra money would come from in Peru? Can you say higher property taxes? The city needs to wake up and realize how good the city has it with a provider like PVAS.
It is my understanding that Kurtz will be returning to give a short presentation to the full council soon.
How many years has the city been donating PVAS $48,000 per year and how many years would it take PVAS to need a donation of $200,000 per year, or better yet when PVAS reaches the need of a annual $200,00 donation what will Kurtz cost Peru?
11:36 Why is it everything we see or hear is "$48,000?" If PVAS sold the building, sold the suv, along with many other assets i'm sure are not needed how much revenue would be showing in the books of PVAS? Wait! I gues PVAS couldn't sell all of that because then it would show a profit and a 501-c can't do that. How many employees lost their job after PVAS lost Lasalle because according to the paper last year there was going to be huge job losses and cut backs. I believe PVAS Board is good enough behind the scenes to make it look like big cuts were made but we know that is nonsense. My point here is, we always hear Peru only pays 48,000.00 well if Peru took it over put the ambulances in the firehouse what would the numbers really look like? what about "REVENUE?" I'm not saying Peru would get rich but I believe PVAS would not be doing this for passion of the job. I believe maybe the employees do, but what about the behind the scene shadow's that run PVAS Who is listed on the LLC papers that is benefiting? I would bet if Peru took that ambulance service over the truth would surface and Peru would find that 48,000 as a savings with money in the bank, maybe not right away but perhaps 5 years down the road?
The city of Peru is pretty much in the dark as to the finances of PVAS. The only information shared with the city is what they call an Activity Summary for the Month.
An example is that in November of 2011, they responded to 236 calls. This included 124 emergencies for Peru, 1 emergency for Dimmick, 0 from Peru Twp. and 109 transfers.
of the 25 emergencies, 83 were transported, 38 refused treatment and 4 were DOA or disregarded.. Also 2 intercept requests with Lostant.
Because of their 501C status, we are never told how much money that generated, how much Medicare, Medicaid, how much insurance.
Regardless we donate 4,000 per month whether there is a need or not. I do believe in this situation, the service needs to share their finances with the city. Is there a possibility that we are giving where it is not needed. And of course who is going to refuse a donation?
Think about the Blood Swear and Gears donation to the ambulance. When the show takes place, the city has already given them $1000 to give to the PVAS service. Even if the show is rained out and something else occurs, it seems that the #1000 is given to PVAS. In spite of the fact that the council and the organization likes to tell you how much they generate for the community through the Hotel Motel tax, eating out etc. When in fact most are locals or near locals, the show does not generate anything outside entry fees etc.and PVAS cooks for them.
They will deny any affiliatation with the city, yet as far as I know Mr Roberson still has a municipal plate on his SUV. The current alderman sitting on the PVAS board will tell you nothing and that happens to be Ankiewicz and Potthoff.You might say that all of this is as clear as mud or status quo in the city.
2:09. Please tell me how puting ambulances in the fire station will generate REVEUNE? If you listen to what Kurtz ambulance stated in there meeting Morris, which he said would compate well to Peru, subsides the ambulance between $150,000 and $200,000 PER YEAR. In case you don't want to do the math Peru could pay PVAS for 3-4 years for this same amount. Kurtz ambulance are the only people making a profit in this setup.
PVAS owns the ambulances, the equipment, and the building. PVAS is a not for profit so if they go out of business everything would be sold and all money would have to be donated to a like not for profit. PVAS could choose to donate to any not for profit ambulance service in the state. The city does not own any of the equipment and PVAS wOuld be under no obligation to give or sell the equipment or building to the city.
Blood, Sweat and Gears holds more than one event in the city. The money given to PVAS is from entry fees paid by the people showing there cars and from food and drinks sold by volunteers from PVAS. The money given to them is not turned around and given to PVAS. That is spent, I would guess on advertising and plaques for the drivers for there numerous events. If the entries are down due to rain, the total for PVAS Is down too.
Isn't the procedure when something goes for bid that it's posted what we want and anyone that wants to bid mails in their bid and they are opened at the council meeting ? Why is it that this bid letting is taking months and months to do ? If Kurtz knew they were giving their presentation why couldn't they have the exact figures when they came ? Kind of incompetance ? Even when they come back for another meeting , i don't see how we can justify a almost $200,000 annual fee over a $48,000 annual fee .
Isn't the procedure when something goes for bid that it's posted what we want and anyone that wants to bid mails in their bid and they are opened at the council meeting ? Why is it that this bid letting is taking months and months to do ? If Kurtz knew they were giving their presentation why couldn't they have the exact figures when they came ? Kind of incompetance ? Even when they come back for another meeting , i don't see how we can justify a almost $200,000 annual fee over a $48,000 annual fee .
I believe the city of Peru is just researching other options I haven't read or heard anywhere that Peru is bidding. I do have a question for one of you PVAS people though.
Firefighters can't walk off the job and quit, or strike.
Are there any State and Federal Laws that would stop PVAS from closing their doors or employees just quitting or picketing? Where would the city of Peru be then? I don't think anyone can say it wouldn't happen. Let's say what if? Well the city would have to make sure that wouldn't happen and to assure that, making it a city Emergencey service is a huge insurance policy for the city. So I as a tax payer would pay more for that policy. I think most would. Even if the city hired an outside service they are still under the same federal law. Is PVAS? Umm " NO "!!
who says the firemen cant walk out? I am sure if something happens and they all agree they could. I think Dalzell firefighters all walked out or it was some small town around here.
7:26 is reffuring to a law that says union firefighters can not strike during contract negoations. Peru fire is made up of mostly paid on call or POCs. Saying that a POC can't quit or walk off the job is one of the most ridiculous things I have heard. What are they going to do send the police to their house and drag them out of bed if there is a fire?
PVAS was founded in 1980 and has been there to answer the call ever since. That's 24/7 365 days a year. That means days, nights, weekends, holidays etc. To say that they may not be there to justify paying higher taxes is a joke. By the way if Peru signed a contract with Kurtz or PSI, who's to say that they can't go out of business and leave Peru high and dry.
Have you driven past the fire station and looked in the doors? Pretty full in there, where would they put the ambulances? They would have to build another building to house them. How much would that cost? Plus the utilities, manpower, insurance, maintance on the building and ambulances, medical supplies to stock the ambulances. Who pays all that right now? I dont think the city does. So where would that money come from since the city is broke, raise taxes?
The police go to the firemans house and pull them out of bed! I've been laughing my cheeks off for an hour over that blog!!!!!!!!the police would have a hard time wAking the fireman up because all of them just finished a night of partying possibly. It's amazing how many vehicles with firefighter plates are parked outside of establishments for several hours, I guess they eat alot! Oh, I forgot a
couple establishments don't serve food!!! How much would it be to get that ff plate for my truck-car? Do I have to be a fireman to get plate? Will this plate help me not get pulled over at 1,2,3 a.m. by the law for driving
too slow? Please answer someone! Just observations, questions and my opinion. Still laughing, did anyone else???
1:52PM, Just an FYI, But ANYONE can get the Firefighter Memorial Plates, just like anyone can get the Police Memorial Plates. You don't need any special paperwork to secure them, but I like how you insinuate that just because you have them, you get special privleges. I also like how you insinuate that all the firemen spend long hours in local drinking establishments. I'm glad you posted your comment anonomously since it might be hard for all those drunk firemen to find your house when it burns down.
The memorial plates are purchased to benefit the memorial in the state capital for fallen firefighters. There is no such memorials for EMS because line of duty deaths for EMS does not include falling out of a chair at a local resturaunt where you spend all of your time. How about the M plate on Mr Robersons PVAS vehicle out at the race track along with PVAS equipment to support his private business. If you think thats ok then let Mr Roberson advise the city council in writing that the PVAS equipment is being used for his private business and let the chips fall where they may. How about a little information about his previous employment history and why he reasons for leaving.
Hey 4:23 EMS deaths do occur every day in this country. Very mature for you to poke fun at these tragic accidents.
The reason PVAS equipment is at the race track is they have a contract and pay PVAS to have that equipment there to cover the races.So good job on all the research and thanks for exposing such a scandal going on right under everybody's nose.
If Mr Roberson is there with the ambulance why is he wearing his private security firm uniform. Why is his wife driving the suv with the same uniform on. Why does this happen when his firm is hired by other venues out of the area and pvas is not part of the contract. I will wait for your explination. Many have withessed this and many from pvas know this practice is going on.
Many at PVAS also want Roberson gone, as previously documented on this blog. Funny how PVAS has nothing to do with the City, yet his SUV has an "M" plate registered to the City of Peru and the employees of PVAS are carried under the City's workmans comp. PVAS is a good organization under horrible management.
9:17PM
Thanks for jogging my memory about the insurance claims, yes that is true and also that the Fire Chief was going there to teach safety procedures because they PVAS was coming up with 2 many insurance claims. This had to be because the city was bearing the brunt of too many incidents being sent in to the insurance.
Why would they be covered under the city's workman's comp is they are not affiliated with Peru and are a not-for-profit organization?
They were covered under the city umbrella until Mayor Harl put a stop to it. Baker for years allowed that service to milk the city for money putting them on the workmans comp insurance. The should pay the city back that amount. I think all of this should be brought out into the open. I understand that Henry Hackman and Dave pottoff are now part of the Board. I assume these pilliars of the community could speak up and justify that being done. No wonder why PVAS was always bragging about being the best and most stable service in the area. everyone else was paying the bills and they were forcing local residents to use their service with help from Bakers cronies on the board at the Hospital. When Baker is gone the house of cards will collapse. i have an idea. These board members cannot make a decision without the "Don" because they are to agraid to make him mad. To many people living in the past in that town.
9:16AM That's a great question that has yet to be answered. Just like the fact that the SUV has a municipal "M" plate, the employees have been covered under the City's workmans comp insurance for years. Yet PVAS is the first to jump up and say they are independent of the city. Another point of contention, which was one reason LaSalle left, was the composition of the board of directors. How are aldermen on the board of directors of PVAS? As aldermen, they are supposed to be as frugal as possible with your tax dollars. However as members of the board of directors, they make decisions about what to do with those tax dollars that have been appropriated by the city, in the best interest of PVAS. How can they make decisions in the best interests of the city and PVAS without there being a conflict of interest?
Good point 12:33. That is definitely a conflict of interest.
12:13PM
You are right there is and always has been a conflict of interest between voting members of the council and being on the Board of Directors of PVAS and even with TEST as Ankiewicz has a daughter working for them.
Does the "conflict of interest" bother either Ald. Ankiewicz or Ald Potthoff, evidently not. They temporarily ride out the storm the blog continually returns to about PVAS management and wait for everything to return to what they consider the norm.
Peru residents need to develop long term memory before and at the next election. They need to look at the broader picture and not only how their voting decision affects his/her individual ward but the effect on the entire city and all its residents and do this by looking at the voting records of all those running for office once again. Keep informed and stay current.
How is siting on the board of directors of PVAS and being an alderman on the city a conflict of intrest? It was set up this way so the city has some say in how there money is spent. The alderman VOLUNTEER there time when they are serving on the board for PVAS. So with no compesation, how can that be a conflict of intrest? The workermans comp is paid for by PVAS. The city does not pay ANYTHING for or to PVAS except the $4,000 a month.
Funny seems to me a couple of weeks ago, everbodys problem with PVAS was th $48,000 a year. Now after hearing other ambulance services pitch their high dollar plan, $48,000 looks like a bargin, therefore you people need something else to complain about.
8:54PM
It's a conflict of interest because as an aldermam of our City, it is their duty to spend our tax dollars as efficiently and wisely as possible for all services and purchases. As a member of the board of directors for PVAS, it is their duty to ensure the fiscal stability and health of the organization, and that includes setting the $4,000 per month contract fee. So, how can they be objective when they sit in the PVAS board meeting and write the contract and set the fee, and then come back to the City Council, and vote to approve it?
In regards to your other comment about PVAS being a bargain compared to the other services, I think you have your facts wrong or were asleep at the meetins. Yes, PVAS only receives $48,000 per year from the City for its services. Yes, on its face, it would seem that going with another provider would cost the City more. However there is one thing that you, and many others are overlooking. Currently, the City receives none of the revenue generated by the ambulance calls within the City. If the City were to switch providers, the City would receive 100% of all revenue collected from calls within the city. Now, not every call generates revenue, and not every bill gets paid. Generally speaking, 60-70% (very low estimate) of the bills that are sent out actually get paid. If the City were to switch providers, it would be from these funds, that the new provider would be paid and supplies would be purchased from. LaSalle dumped PVAS last year, and from the reports the fire chief has given the City Council, they have been breaking even each month, and I don't believe they do anywhere near the amount of calls or transfers that PVAS currently do. If it worked for them, why wouldn't it work here?
$48,000 a year is a bargain. I don't understand ambulance services nor do I understand how PVAS keeps the cost so low and the quality so high but I am not complaining.
Keep up the good work PVAS.
10:08PM
It is a great bargain for PVAS, they get to keep all the money generated by the money paid to them by insurance companies, Medicaid and Medicare plus the city of Peru throws in an additional $4000 per month for which they are not accountable to the City for even one IV set up or one gallon of gas.
The city should demand an accurate and honest expenditure accounting of those funds or they stop.
I forgot to mention, by PVAS' own figures, when LaSalle asked them repeatedly for the annual revenue generated off of 911 calls alone, I believe the figure Mr. Roberson provided for LaSalle only was $320,000. With all the 911 calls in Peru and all of the transfers that PVAS does, just reference the monthly activity report, I wonder what their annual revenue is, even though LaSalle dropped them. I bet 2 aldermen know, but who says they will inform the council or citizens? With figures like that, its hard to believe they need the $48,000 were paying them per year.
I was at every meeting and paying attention. Under no offer does Peru keep 100% of the billing. Both other services use a third party biller and both charge a percent of what is collected. If you were at the meetings and awake, Kurtz ambulance said that the city of Morris recently reduced there cost of ambulance service becuse of an increase in calls. They said the residents of Morris pay between $150,000 and $200,000 a year. So this is an improvement, then what were they paying before last years increase in calls $250,000 maybe? How in world can you say Peru will be the exception and make money?
We have no idea if for fact Lasalle is breaking even. You are taking the word of the person that wanted his own ambulance service. Have we seen any proof that he is making money?
9:21Pm
You want financial data from the ambulance service in La Salle and the city does not even get financial data from the ambulance service serving Peru. I bet you don't know either. How do we know that PVAS actually needs funding from the city as they present no financial information...nothing. Do you have an answer for us?
Why not PVAS giving their financials to the taxpayers of Peru? And let LaSalle take care of themselves.
I apologize, I forgot about the 3-5% billing fee. I guess that is a large percentage considering that currently we are shelling out $48,000 per year for the service, instead of collecting a percentage of the proceeds collected. I'm not sure what you were reading, but I did not say that Peru would make money. In fact, all Peru would have to do to "make" money, is end the year with less than a $48,000 shortfall. The tidbit I got about LaSalle was reported in the NewsTrib, maybe not as reliable as some, but I atleast back up my arguments, instead of flinging aimless mud.
Yes and what happens when Peru ends the year with a $100,000 a year shortfall? Who foots the bill? Kurtz is guaranteed there money regardless of what Peru collects. If everyone doesn't mind paying higher taxes than Kurtz would be a way to go.
I personally would be counting on them to run their business much better than either the City of Peru or PVAS runs theirs. I would be counting on professional management which is something we do not see at this time.
There is a solution that looks to be supported by those that critize the current service. The solution is simple! Set up another taxing body like a Fire District that would tax all property owners for the service. That would cost each property holder/business a tax, maybe $1.13 per thousand. A homeowner would pay about 113.00 a year for fires/ambulance. That is if your house is worth $100,000. Sorry no Senior exemptions included. A business like Easkas would pay only $40,000 per year. Based on tax bills. You would also pay your ambulance fee. That is the very choice you have. Get in line to sign up!
Check our agenda which I just posted and see how wisely Peru is spending your dollars.
10:23 & 10:30 I love your logic, how flawed it may be. You automatically assume that if another party were to come in and assume the ambulance service, taxes will have to be raised to support it. The fact of the matter is, PVAS receives no tax money aside from the $48,000 hand out that our city council gives them each year. If they can survive off of that and call and transfer revenue, why isn't it feasable that another entity couldn't do the same?
For someone calling them self business sense you hav none. The problem comes when you bring a private service who is in business to make a PROFIT. PVAS is a not for profit. If you were at the meeting with Kurtz ambulance he stated this COULD be a money generator in 5 to 8 years down the road. So how do you pay the difference till then. Let's see at $150,000 a year for 5 to 8 years comes to about $ 750,000 to to $1,200,000 total. Seems to me you could pay PVAS for a whole lot of years for $1,000,000. Please rember these were the words of the presenter who had it in his best interest to paint a best case sceraino picture. It could be much worse.
Has anyone in the city or otherwise contacted Morris and talked to the fire chief to see how happy they are with Kurtz ambulance. Also would be nice to know exactly what the city pays out if pocket to Kurtz every year.
12:09PM
All your blather about profit etc is meaningless simply because PVAS releases no financial information. Until they do this talk they provide cheap service to the is also meaningless.
And when someone else gives generalized figures you scream. It is very easy to badmouth a company that offers to give us information and I believe a more complete analysis is forthcoming after they are given some facts and figures to work with.
Will PVAS be putting their figures on the table along with the other companies? Honest accounting. And forget the $48,000 because that is a gift from the city and is not the amount used to run the service.
You can call it a gift if you want but the $48,000 a year is the only cost to the city for ambulance service. If the city hires one of the other ambulance services, I can be sure of one thing, it will cost every tax payer in this city money and I will be the first to say told you so. I know for one I don't want my alderman gambleing with my tax money.
1:35 PM
Your comment makes Peru look pretty stupid and inefficient as all cities surrounding us have developed ambulance services without costing the city money. Some may be breaking even but at no cost to the city. LaSalle is functioning well and can be proud of themselves and has Princeton. Has anyone looked at Streator with AMT, how is it going there?
The federal tax returns of all non-profits are available online. You can search here - http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/ and find the PVAS returns up through 2010. So, stop speculating and research if you really want to know.
Cranky Medic
You can call it a gift if you want but the $48,000 a year is the only cost to the city for ambulance service. If the city hires one of the other ambulance services, I can be sure of one thing, it will cost every tax payer in this city money and I will be the first to say told you so. I know for one I don't want my alderman gambleing with my tax money.
Lois please show me proof that any of these ambulance services are not costing tax payers any money? Show me a finicial report, a budget something, anything. If Lasalle is running so great why are they always beging there guys for coverage?
Direct quote from the NewsTrib a few months back about LaSalle's service that everyone said would never work:
"After roughly six months, La Salle’s decision to establish it’s own ambulance service within the city’s fire department is paying off.
“I’m happy to say things are going very well,” fire chief Andy Bacidore said during a city council meeting Monday night.
With payments coming in during recent months the department has gotten a better sense of revenue expectations and based on the current call volume, the system is working well, according to Bacidore.
“It’s virtually eliminating the monthly stipend we were paying to Peru,” he said.
Previously the city was paying $48,000 a year to receive ambulance coverage from Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service."
Obviously there are alternatives out there. PVAS isn't the only option Peru has. LaSalle has shown that other models work.
2:48PM, it sounds like they need to add personnel.
Right Spice is where the mayor was a celebrity waiter on Feb. 21 during the ambulance presentation. How can 4 fireman (chief King, and asst. Chief Duncan), 2 other officers (possibly officers), be in an establishment enjoying cocktails at the same time in case there would be a fire call. WHO WOULD BE IN CHARGE????? Observed at the Right Spice several days ago! The bar/restaurant was crowded and this was observed by many taxpayers . Shouldn't someone either the fire chief or asst. Fire chief have some control here??? It's SOP(standard operating procedure) that if alcohol is consumed, a fireman doesn't go to calls. Can they still get $32 for staying at the station??? I bet it's been done. The reason this is being blogged is because I was surprised with all the fire department issues that I've read about, so I guess this gives one another thing to ponder. My opinion to ponder.
Business sense: if you are buying a business from me are you going to take my word that the business is in great shape and making money or are you going to ask to see some finicial reports that show my business is making money? Would you expect the guy that pushed so hard for his own ambulance service to stand up and say its not working as well as we planned? It's in Bacidore's best interest to paint a rosey picture of everything. The News-Tribune report just repeated what Bacidore reported to the city council.
The NewsTribune reported on a City Council meeting, not on a 1 on 1 interview. As Bacidore is an appointed official, it would be pretty stupid of him to lie to his superiors since they can easily fact check him by pulling the financial statements themselves.
Why doesn't Peru FD just hire more fulltime FF/PM's and staff an ambulance and bill the residents for the service. The residents of Peru would get an ambulance much faster and can depend on fulltime paramedics being at the station 24/7.
7:46 PM
A good idea but don't believe it would get passed by our city council.
How much does a fulltime peru fireman make?
Last I heard peru's fire chief doesn't have EMT certification. Someone check please. Also does peru's asst. Fire chief have EMT. Certification? How many firefighters have it?
First off the city of Peru isn't big enough to have a full time fire department. Secondly, there are times where there are no fire calls for a a few days in a row. Why pay 8-12 firefighters to sit and play poker and cards. Also, don't be oblivious to the costs of a full time department. Full time fire departments have job requirements such as degrees from fire academy's, also EMT certifications. Also, insurance /pensions. Didn't I read that peru's fire chief Jeff King was asking for
$120,000 year to be full time fire chief several month ago?? Credential??? Did he think he was living in Hoffman Estates,Plainfield.??? Peru better grow about double it's size to even consider a full time
Fire department. It won't happen in my lifetime. Say 20 full time fireman at $50,000 year, that's 1 MILLION in
Just salary!!!! Having a volunteer (paid per call)
Fire Department is sufficient for Peru. I don't
Want higher property taxes or sales taxes, do you?
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