The Lake Harmony Rescue Squad is asking residents to support a referendum on the November ballot that would increase millage to help the organization maintain services, train personnel and keep pace with rising emergency medical costs.

During a recent public meeting at the Kidder Township Municipal Building, rescue squad officials outlined the financial challenges facing the organization and explained how additional funding would help sustain operations.

Chief Scott Wuttke said the proposed increase would vary based on a property’s assessed value.

“We’re trying to cover costs using last year’s total of $500,000,” Wuttke said.

To illustrate those costs, squad members displayed emergency equipment with price tags attached.

An automated external defibrillator costs $9,376, while a jump bag stocked with medications and IV supplies costs $3,239.61. A stair chair costs about $1,500.

Wuttke, who has 25 years of experience in emergency services, even wore a $2,500 price tag representing the cost of Advanced EMT training.

Officials said the cost of outfitting a basic life support ambulance unit totals nearly $500,000 and includes the ambulance, stretcher and loading system, cardiac monitor, radios, Lucas mechanical CPR device, AED and medical supplies.

The rescue squad recently trained three members as Advanced EMTs, allowing them to provide a higher level of care, including administering IV medications and using intraosseous drills that deliver medication through bone access. Officials said they plan to send three additional members for the training.

Assistant Chief Kerril Lanum, who has served with the squad for 17 years, said community support has become increasingly important as costs continue to rise.

“We are there at one of the worst times in people’s lives. Thank you so much for helping, but fundraising itself isn’t enough anymore,” Lanum said.

The rescue squad holds three major fundraisers each year: a boat parade at Nick’s Lake House, Oktoberfest and a NASCAR-themed event at Harmony Beverage. A golf tournament at Jack Frost is also planned.

Kidder Township Supervisor Elwood Zimmerman shared a personal example of the squad’s impact, recalling a 2024 car crash.

Zimmerman said the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad saved his life because of the advanced level of care provided by its personnel.

Lanum emphasized that taxpayer support would help ensure the organization can continue providing around-the-clock emergency medical services.

“We want to bring emergency medical help all the time, every day of the week,” Lanum said. “We need to help protect that future and without you we wouldn’t exist.”

Officials said community funding helps support ambulance readiness, equipment replacement, medical care, training and infrastructure.

They also noted that ambulance billing does not equal revenue, saying the squad currently collects only about 33% of the amount it bills for services.

A handout distributed during the meeting stressed the importance of stable funding.

“You are not funding one ambulance ride,” the handout stated. “You are funding the ability to answer the next 911 call.”

According to officials, 47 ambulance services in Pennsylvania have closed because of staffing shortages and funding challenges.

“However, the calls don’t stop,” Lanum said.

The Lake Harmony Rescue Squad responds to as many as 700 calls annually.

“Every piece of equipment has to be up, functioning and running,” Wuttke said.

To further explain the referendum and answer residents’ questions, the rescue squad has scheduled two community presentations.

The first will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Golden Oaks Clubhouse, 3 Keystone Commons, White Haven. The second is scheduled for Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company, 2454 Route 534, Albrightsville.