Public Hearing on Annual Estimated Fees

September 28, 2023, 7-9 pm
Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church
996 East High Street, Elizabethtown, PA

The Municipal Emergency Services Authority of Lancaster County has prepared an estimated budget in conjunction with a local CPA firm to provide EMS services. The estimated operating budget is $5,605,594.00 for 2024.

MESA’s estimated fees are based on a fair and equitable model. Unlike Northwest EMS’ current subscription-based model (which receives contributions from less than half of the residents who Northwest EMS serves), all property owners will pay a fair share – and all residents of member municipalities will benefit.

MESA will replicate the current benefits of a NWEMS subscription. For a single fee, all residents of member municipalities will receive:

• 24/7 readiness to answer the call

• No residual bills for 911 emergency services if your insurance pays

• 50% off your 911 emergency ambulance bill if you have no insurance or if your entire payment goes toward your insurance deductible

The method of assessment of estimated fees was calculated using Northwest EMS call volume by occupancy classification; county parcel and tax data, and individual municipal data.

The public hearing on MESA’s estimated fees will be held and conducted in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipality Authorities Act.

Occupancy ClassificationsBilling UnitsAnnual Fee / UnitTotal Fee / Group% of Calls
Residential Occupancies
Standard Dwelling Units (Single, Duplex, Towns, Apts)20,247$85.00 $1,720,995.00 74.42%
Assisted Living Residents304$470.00 $142,880.00 6.03%
Commercial/Business 
Number of FTE Employees25,724$10.00 $257,240.00 8.84%
Institutional/Educational 
Acute Care Nursing Beds347$295.00 $102,365.00 4.31%
Resident Student1,900$15.00 $28,500.00 1.11%
Public Assembly 
Event Venue Occupancy1,990$5.00 $9,950.00 0.41%
Special Municipal & Other 
Miles of Road (auto accidents)405$290.00 $117,450.00 4.89%
Total Fee Generated by All Billing Units$2,379,380.00 100.00%