Nesquehoning seeks clarification on ambulance service fee after switch

Nesquehoning officials are hoping to get a little clarification on the upcoming switch to its ambulance services.

Council members, last week, brought up the question of whether residents who paid the Nesquehoning Ambulance membership fee, which is good until May, will have to pay the full fee that will be requested by Lehighton Ambulance in February.

A letter from John McArdle, Nesquehoning Hose Company fire chief and member of the Nesquehoning Ambulance, who was not at the meeting, said discussions on the issue are occurring.

Council suggested the new provider could do a prorated fee so those who paid already do not have to pay twice for the few months that overlap.

Last month, the Nesquehoning Ambulance gave council its 90-day notice, stating that it will no longer be the borough’s BLS provider. The last day for the ambulance is Dec. 23.

At that time, McArdle said the decision was because of dwindling volunteers who are certified as EMTs.

In other matters, council voted to hire Derek Marouchoc as a full-time police officer pending the satisfactory completion of a physical and psychological test. His pay rate will be per the police contract.

Council also voted to hire George Melcher and Randy Kraus Jr. as part-time snowplow drivers for the borough.