The Dallas Rescue Squad is requesting a funding increase from Gaston County as rising costs and steady call volume continue to strain operations.
DALLAS, N.C. โ One week away from the Gaston County manager presenting the proposed budget to commissioners, the Dallas Rescue Squad is asking for more funding to help keep operations efficient as costs rise and call volume remains steady.ย
County leaders say the request is under review as they balance competing budget priorities.
Dallas Rescue Squad says funding needed to sustain service
Leaders with the Dallas Rescue Squad say additional funding is critical to sustaining operations and continuing to reliably serve Dallas and Gaston County.
Earl Withers III of the Dallas Rescue Squad says the agencyโs mission remains strong, but staffing and rising costs are putting pressure on day to day operations.
โWe have no plans on going anywhere,” Withers said. Unfortunately weโre the last remaining rescue squad in Gaston County. We started out with 8 rescue squads and now weโre down to 1.”
While Gaston County provides access to vehicles and equipment, Withers says operating costs continue to rise due to inflation, including fuel, insurance, overhead and personnel expenses.
He also pointed to the agencyโs workload.
โSo fiscal year 2024 to 2025, Dallas Rescue answered just over 10,000 calls with 11 employees and about 25 volunteers. Thatโs 10,000 calls,” Withers said. “Iโm not saying they would go unanswered because they would go answered, but there may have been a longer delay to getting service to those residents.”
Funding request tied to rising costs
Right now, the agency receives $51.50 from Gaston County for every hour an ambulance is on the road.
For the 2027 fiscal year, the Dallas Rescue Squad is requesting an increase to $60 per hour, a change leaders say is needed to maintain stability and continue providing reliable service.
County weighs request amid broader budget priorities
Deputy County Manager Vincent Wong says the county has worked closely with the rescue squad for years and supports its role in public safety, but says leaders must balance this request with other funding needs.
โWe have other public safety agencies that are more direct with the county and so youโre trying to balance their requests they have through the budget process, and the requests with the rescue squad, and balance that out and be consistent and fair across the board,โ Wong said.
Wong also said the county supports exploring additional funding opportunities, including grants in partnership with the rescue squad, to help supplement support.
The budget vote is expected in May. If approved, the funding increase would take effect July 1.
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