Two fire districts in Chautauqua County may be facing legal action for failing to pay the county fees for Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance intercepts. The County Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that it is taking steps to resolve the fees owed by the Forestville and Frewsburg districts and is preparing actions to ensure compliance. The Forestville Fire District currently owes $2,500, while the Frewsburg Fire District owes $20,250. Officials say if both districts continue to refuse payment of the amounts due, the county may be forced to suspend certain services currently provided to the districts.
County Attorney Emily Woodard says, “Our duty is straightforward: when the County lawfully bills for the services it provides, we must pursue payment for those services so that taxpayers are treated fairly. This is not a dispute the county sought out, but it is one we must resolve responsibly.”
Woodard’s office says despite multiple outreach attempts — including an offer to establish payment plans — both districts have declined to pay and instead retained outside legal counsel, claiming novel constitutional objections to the state statute. All other fire districts and departments in the county with similar obligations have paid in full…