Legislation from the state and federal levels threatens to eliminate a middle tier of Emergency Management Services(EMS).

EMS runs on three tiers composed of basic services, intermediate, and paramedic. Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters explains most downstate communities operate on the intermediate level, and eliminating that would make EMS very difficult to operate for smaller communities.

[audio:emslocal1.mp3]A Word From The Mayor[/audio]

Mayor Peters was one of several officials from Clinton and DeWitt County at and EMS Task Force Hearing Monday afternoon in Maroa. The Mayor used the opportunity to explain the unique situation to the Task Force member at the hearing. She says a solution by the state could be some time away, which would not likely be an answer to DeWitt County's ambulance problem.

[audio:emslocal2.mp3]A Word From The Mayor[/audio]

The Mayor stresses it is imperative the County Board approve a levy for the County. She says if they do not or the referendum does not pass in March, then the responsibility becomes each city's responsibility come up with funding for ambulance service. The Mayor believes the county levy is the best option for residents.

[audio:emslocal3.mp3]A Word From The Mayor[/audio]

The Task Force is made up of 24 bipartisan members of the Illinois House of Representatives and has taken part in 17 local hearings where EMS workers from all over the state have been a part of.