Toms River Drops Silverton EMS Amid Financial Dispute

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A simmering feud over money has prompted Toms River officials to announce they are replacing Silverton first aid squad emergency coverage with township-owned ambulances, and sparking a backlash in the process.

In a letter dated Nov. 30, Toms River Mayor Thomas H. Kelaher announced to residents in the Silverton section that the area would be covered by "township ambulances operated by township employees" around the clock seven days a week starting immediately. In addition, the letter said, the township will be replacing the Silverton First Aid Squad with Toms River community service officers as of Jan. 1, 2019. Community service officer is the title for a paid emergency medical technician.

Silverton EMS officials, responding to the letter in a public Facebook post, said the move was simply an effort to capture more money for the township.

Kelaher's letter, which residents began receiving on Monday, said the root of the issue was that the squad was no longer willing to split funds received from billing patients' insurance 50-50 with the township.

Anthony Merlino, Toms River assistant township attorney, said the issue dates back to the end of 2016, when the agreement between the township and the squad expired.

"The money paid to the squads was split evenly with the township in return for the township’s expenditure for costs and operations of the squads such as fuel, maintenance and supplies as well as providing CSO back up when first aid squads are not available," the letter said. Merlino said the same arrangement exists with all of the other Toms River first aid squads.

Silverton EMS officials said the issue was strictly about the township getting its hands on more money.

"The basis of this issue is a township-run program (in) which costs have become unmanageable. The Mayor's response is to throw more money at the problem, rather than solve it," the post said..

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"Yes, both programs are supported by insurance revenue. Insurance is billed and township residents will never see a bill from either," the Silverton EMS post said. "Yes, Silverton EMS pays its EMTs and in fact has had a crew in house 24/7 since Hurricane Sandy. Silverton EMS owns its own building, owns its ambulances, and pays for all insurance. All funded through insurance collection!"

The township budget includes $1.8 million for the township's EMS program, which Kelaher's letter said responded to about 9,600 calls (cited in the letter as 80 percent of 12,000 townwide) in Toms River in 2017.

Silverton EMS officials said that equates to spending $189.68 per call.

"Silverton EMS receives the following tax money: $7000 in fuel and maintenance from the Township and $5000 from the District 2 Board of Fire Commissioners. Silverton EMS answers approximately 2,200 calls for service per year, or $5.45 per call per tax dollar received," the post said. "Which service is being run more efficiently?"

Merlino said the squad has refused to share the insurance proceeds while at the same time expecting the township to continue to provide support not only in the cost of fuel and supplies but through its dispatch services.

"It (the dispatch services) is not an insignificant cost," Merlino said, citing costs of equipment and personnel that are used.

Kelaher's letter said the squad "recently ... has decided to become independent of the township. The squad established a 501c3 corporate status, obtained their own state license, and hired their own medical director."

Silverton EMS has been in existence since 1964 and has held 501(c)(3) charity status with the IRS since 1985, according to Guidestar, which tracks nonprofits around the country. Its 2016 990 Form filed with the IRS says the squad had gross revenues of $461,202 and total expenses of $393,271, including $227,634 paid to 23 employees. It has had two medical directors since 2016.

Merlino said the only thing the township has withdrawn has been dispatching for Silverton EMS.

Silverton EMS officials, who said they have been "overwhelmed by the countless calls of support," urged residents to contact the town and "express your feelings on this topic."

Note: This article has been updated with comments from Assistant Township Attorney Anthony Merlino.

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