KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — The Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority is millions of dollars over budget, and they are facing a challenge keeping up with an increase in emergency calls with their current resources.

Overtime pay for paramedics and an increase in cost to purchase medical equipment are just a few things making it more expensive to run ambulances 24/7 in all types of emergencies.

According to data from the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority’s finances, they were in a $383,567 deficit for May 2024, compared to $208,194 in May 2023. As of May 31, the KCEAA is looking at a deficit of $2.3 million for 2024. This means they are spending more than what they’re bringing in.

Factors like the safety levy from this year, and a $10 million rainy day fund are helping lower these numbers.

County officials say they’re committed to always meeting that crucial need. That’s why they’re meeting with consultants to stop the budget issues before it gets out of control.

“We want to save money in the administration, we want to save money in the logistics and statistics, and, I believe, after those conversations with the consultant, that we can do that,” said Kanawha County Commission President Lance Wheeler. “That we can make those changes, still give the same quality of care that we give the citizens of Kanawha County while making sure that we have a flat budget and are not increasing taxes.”

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Commission President Wheeler says there is a statewide EMS crisis, and he plans to have continued conversations with state leaders to fix EMS issues not only in Kanawha County but others as well.

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