ELKTON, MD — Cecil County Executive Danielle Hornberger has proposed a substantial increase in funding for the Cecil County Fire and EMS Fire Apparatus and Ambulance Replacement Fund. This proposal is part of her Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget plan, which is to be submitted to the County Council by April 1, 2024.
The proposed plan includes increases in funding for new ambulances, engines, and ladder trucks. The budget for new ambulances would see a $75,000 increase, raising it from $125,000 to $200,000. Funds for new engines would get a $150,000 boost, from $325,000 to $475,000. Similarly, funding for new ladder trucks would also increase by $150,000, from $500,000 to $650,000.
Alongside these specific increases, Hornberger is also proposing a $250,000 increase in the Fund’s annual potential investment ceiling, raising it from $1 million to $1.25 million. This marks the first time in the program’s 16-year history that the annual ceiling would be increased.
The significance of this investment cannot be overstated. As Dale DeWeese, president of the Cecil County Fireman’s Association, noted, “This program has been in existence for more than 16 years, and the cost of apparatus has gone up significantly during this time. We very much appreciate the proposed increase for these vital life-saving vehicles.”
County Executive Hornberger echoed DeWeese’s sentiment, stating, “This investment will ensure that our volunteer fire companies have the appropriate resources and equipment necessary to continue serving this community in the safest, most effective way possible.”
The proposed budget increases reflect a keen awareness of the rising costs of emergency services equipment and a commitment to ensuring the safety of Cecil County residents. By providing our fire and EMS teams with the most up-to-date and effective equipment, we can better protect our community members and ensure that when emergencies occur, our first responders are well-equipped to handle them.
Moreover, this investment serves as a recognition of the crucial role that our volunteer fire companies play in maintaining the safety and well-being of our community. By supporting these volunteers with the necessary resources, Cecil County is investing not only in essential equipment but also in the people who put their lives on the line to protect us.
The proposed budget increases are a step towards a safer future for Cecil County, demonstrating that when it comes to the safety of its residents, the county is willing to invest both in state-of-the-art equipment and the brave volunteers who operate it.
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