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LIBERTY -- The township could be in line to receive extra funds thanks to an ambulance supplemental program, according to its fiscal officer.
Fiscal Officer Matthew Connelly reported to trustees at Monday's meeting that he and fire Chief Douglas Theobald attended a meeting on an Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program in the Cleveland area.
Connelly explained that when they transport patients under Medicaid or Medicaid MCO, the township gets 25 to 30% of the bill sent to them. But thanks to the program, which the state was approved for, the township can apply through a third party to collect the whole amount.
"We're coming out-of-pocket with all those costs of transporting them because we're only getting 30% of what we're billing for," Connelly said.
Connelly said they're doing a feasibility study through their billing service's provider, which he expects to hear back from this week. He estimated the township could get an additional $157,000 in billings.
The third-party payment provider that Medicount, the township's EMS billing provider uses, will take 10% for doing work on its behalf. While the program doesn't start until January 2026, Connelly said they have to apply for it now and show interest.
Theobald said he's looking forward to how it plays out, and that they'll have a better understanding of the numbers once they're audited for Medicaid loans.
In other news, trustees:
Heard from Connelly that the township decided to go with Anthem from Aetna for the township's insurance provider. Connelly said it will save the township $210,000 from Oct. 1 to next December.
Heard from Connelly that the township received some state grants: an ambulance grant of $11,000 a police state training grant of $82,150; and $100,000 to the police department from the state budget.
Heard from Theobald that the township is awaiting an answer from the Ohio Job Network for a $5,000 grant. The grant will reimburse the cost of sending two hires to paramedic school.
Heard from Connelly the township still is being audited by the state auditor's office. Connelly explained there's issues on the auditor's end so there's nothing to worry about, and they have until the end of the month to finish the work.
Approved purchasing a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe police cruiser costing $52,160.
Approved recommending former Howland Township administrator Darlene St. George as the township's appointee for the Trumbull County Planning Commission and forward it to the Trumbull County commissioners, who will select the recommended person.