NOTTINGHAM, MD—Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has introduced legislation that would return Emergency Medical Services (EMS ) funding to volunteer fire companies that have medic units.

Between 2016 and 2024, the amount of funding collected in EMS transport fees has grown from $7.2 million to $36.7 million. This amount includes services from both career and volunteer fire companies.

“Since EMS funding was legislated a decade ago, it has gone into the General Fund,” said Councilman Marks. “Our bill requires 60 percent of the funding collected by volunteer fire companies with medic units to go back to those companies.”

“We appreciate Councilman Marks’ sponsorship of this bill and look forward to working with him on the specific language that will be considered by the County Council,” added Susan Bollinger, president of the Baltimore County Volunteer Firefighters Association.

“This will greatly help volunteer fire companies that sometimes struggle to raise funds,” added John Dulina, president of the Middle River Volunteer Fire Company.”

Testimony will be taken on the bill on Tuesday, February 11 at 4 p.m. at the Baltimore County Historic Courthouse. For more information, visit https://countycouncil.baltimorecountymd.gov/.