07/11/2024
I started the page. Friends of Lapeer County taxpayers to help people have access to all information in regards to making a decision on the EMS millage proposal. Friends of Lapeer County taxpayers is a page where I have allowed anyone to post no matter if they are for or against the millage increase.
First off I believe we all should acknowledge and thank the employees of the Lapeer County EMS for doing such a great job and be thankful that the Lapeer County taxpayers have graciously donated to make that happen. To me, this is not a question of the quality of service or the lack of generosity of Neighbor helping Neighbor, but it is a question of how do you get corrections made when you believe there has been mismanagement of funds, errors of judgment in the pursuit of an outdated business model and acts of protectionism.
Did you know that it is the policy of the Lapeer County EMS to waive ALL deductibles and co-pays to the users of the service and expects taxpayers to pick up the shortfall no matter what each individual taxpayers financial situation is. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t remember ever voting as part of the millage to approve such an action. That action alone this year has created a collections shortfall of over $853,000. One person who posted on the Friends of Lapeer County Taxpayers page proudly claims That over a five-year period the Lapeer County EMS gave away $3.6 million of uncollected deductibles and co-pays as gifts to those who used the service. I understand that there are some people who may not be able to afford a co-pay or deductible, but I also understand there are many people who cannot afford to pay their property taxes anymore. I say this while there are many foreclosure notices going up on properties across the county in the last couple days.
I was equally surprised to find out that the Lapeer County EMS board supported the administrator of Lapeer County EMS In a lawsuit against the lapeer County Medical Control Authority. A lawsuit deemed so frivolous that Lapeer County EMS is now waiting to see the amount of fines and attorney reimbursement fees the taxpayers will have to pay on top of the over $190,000 that is already been spent in pursuing this lawsuit. These two actions alone have placed the Lapeer county EMS at a point of insolvency without an increase in the millage.
I find the decision-making, judgment and actions of the Lapeer County EMS board and its administration to be irresponsible and by no means acting in the best interest of all Lapeer county residence. I personally propose that we turn this millage down on August 6 and in one voice call for the Lapeer County EMS board and administrator to fix the problem they created or resign. With a solution in hand from a board that is willing to act fiscally responsible the millage proposal could be put back on the ballot in November. I would also suggest that we find a way to make the Lapeer County EMS board more directly accountable to the taxpayers in the future so that future millages never need to become a referendum on the management practices of the department that is spending it. I believe then we can make clearer decisions as to what is in the best interest of the community.
