The executive director of Southeast Ohio Emergency Medical Services announced his resignation last week, citing pay cuts and lack of organization within the district as part of his decision.
Executive Director Eric Kuhn originally agreed to take a pay cut of 4.5 percent off his $6,333 per month salary after SEOEMS started to experience financial problems, he said. But soon after, the district requested an even larger cut that he chose not to accept.
The executive committee is asking me to take even greater concessions that are
in my opinion excessive and unreasonable Kuhn said.
His resignation follows Athens County officials' decision to split from the district Oct. 19, although Kuhn said the county's split did not influence his decision.
SEOEMS, which provided emergency medical service to Athens, Jackson and Lawrence counties for almost 30 years, struggled financially due in part to patient-payment over-projections of almost $300,000 in this year's budget.
Miscalculating its yearly revenue decreased funds for the counties' EMS systems. SEOEMS' financial problems also stemmed from late dues and almost $2.3 million in uncollected bills.
The district's disorganization and inability to respond to financial problems led to his resignation, Kuhn said, adding that the Ohio Auditor of State's office determined SEOEMS' financial books are not in an auditable condition.
The district is not taking enough steps to fix its financial problems
Kuhn said.
His resignation will be effective Oct. 31, according to a SEOEMS news release. At that time, MedCare Medical Services, which holds a contract with SEOEMS, will provide an on-site director to supervise day-to-day activities.
Although Kuhn said he's worried about the financial problems within SEOEMS, he hopes the district stays intact.
It appears that the district will dissolve
Kuhn said. I think that's a mistake
because SEOEMS is the best way to serve the area whether I'm here or not.
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Laura Service
