McCandless adds funding for ambulance, fire services

McCandless council revised the 2024 municipal budget to provide additional funding for the Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company and McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority.

Despite the revision, the real estate tax rate remains at 1.236 mills, the second-lowest in Allegheny County behind neighboring Pine’s 0.998 mills.

The extra funds were part of a list of revisions made to the McCandless budget prior to its adoption by council on Dec. 11. A full list of revisions was presented for discussion at a public hearing on Nov. 27, according to assistant town manager Trisha Greathouse.

The ambulance authority will receive an additional $10,000 on top of a first-time $100,000 contribution from the municipality, and the fire company will receive an additional $17,500 to help pay for two pieces of emergency rescue equipment.

The nonprofit McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority — which also serves Bradford Woods, Marshall and Pine — originally requested a $161,680 contribution from McCandless for 2024.

The town previously had not given funding to the MFPAA, according to discussion at a Nov. 27 council meeting. The original 2024 proposed budget McCandless presented in October and November listed $100,000 as a contribution.

The majority of McCandless council members agreed to an additional $10,000 on Dec. 11. The total represents 68% of the amount requested.

McCandless offers in-kind services, such as snow plowing and landscaping, to the authority at no cost. The MFPAA can purchase fuel and maintenance services at a discounted rate through the town.

Town council member Trish Cloonan proposed providing the full amount of $161,680.

“I also believe that we are going to be looking at some serious consequences if we do not support our ambulance authority and support them at the full need, starting now,” she said. She referenced the $55 annual charge to residents in the area served by Ross/West View Emergency Medical Services.

Kathleen Roppa, now a former council member, agreed with Cloonan.

“I think, futuristically, they should think about fundraising, some serious fundraising, because that’s the only way you’re going to be able to keep the ambulance authority going forward,” Roppa said.

The nonprofit ambulance authority does not receive tax support from the municipalities it serves. Its revenue is derived from patient fees, an annual subscription program and donations, according to the MFPAA website.

Council member Jack Casey said the authority has an advantage as a nonprofit, unlike other town departments that require funding.

“I still think we can close the gap through fundraising,” he said.

Council member Jason Singer said that the MFPAA has made notable improvements over the past two years. He noted that McCandless is trying to do the same with the first-time funding for the authority.

“Going from zero to $100,000 to $110,000 is a big adjustment for us. It’s a good start for both of us,” he said.

The authority will receive approximately 76% of its total $350,000 request from the five municipalities it serves, according to MFPAA Chief Chris Dell.

Franklin Park Borough’s $73,000 contribution represents the full amount requested by the authority. Pine is providing $40,000 or 65 percent of the MFPAA’s requested support.

Bradford Woods is providing $5,000, or half of the MFPAA’s request. The amount from Marshall is $40,000, or 92% of what was asked.

McCandless’ funding for the Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company will pay for half the cost of new equipment, with the company covering the remainder. While the equipment will be housed at Peebles Station 188 on Duncan Avenue, it can be shared among all the three volunteer fire departments that serve McCandless residents, including Ingomar and Highland.

Casey noted that the contribution represents appreciation for Peebles receiving the 2023 Rescue Service of the Year honor by the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Service Council.

‘’I thought this was a good thing to ask for (equipment) that could be shared with others, rather than just asking for cash,” he said. “And they do have the matching funds, which is abundantly important.”

A line item of $160,000 proposed in 2025 for a concession stand at Wall Park has been removed from the budget five-year outlook for now. And $4,410 was deducted from the McCandless Heritage and Cultural Center from the current budget. Greathouse, though, said the center’s amount is still 3% above last year’s budget.