MERRILLVILLE | Town paramedics upset with the council's decision to seek a private ambulance service say the town could have done more to save Merrillville's Emergency Medical Services.

The Town Council decided last week to start accepting bids from outside ambulance providers because the town has been losing money operating the EMS and is projected to lose more than $300,000 this year.

Merrillville EMS paramedic training officer David Ferris and paramedic Rory Hill said a committee of paramedics was formed about two years ago to address problems, including ways to recoup the operating costs, but the council didn't act on the advice offered by the committee.

Ferris said the committee suggested the town use an independent collection agency instead of the clerk-treasurer's office to increase collection percentages.

He said many independent agencies have more of an incentive to increase collections because they are paid from a percentage of what they collect.

Town Council President Shawn Pettit said it wouldn't matter if an independent agency was used for billing because a limited amount of money can be collected through Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies.

He also said people often don't pay the remaining money on their bill after the town collects from the health plans.

"I don't like doing this, but it's got to be done," Pettit said. "I was told on three separate occasions we're not going to get out of this hole."

Ferris and Hill also are concerned with the type of service a private ambulance can provide in Merrillville.

"It's a lower standard," Ferris said. "They are there to make money."

Pettit said the town's main goal in the search for a private provider is finding a company that will provide a quality service to all residents. He said he also expects the private provider to offer employment to the present Merrillville EMS staff.

Ferris said while some of the staff may take a position with the private provider, others will not because it would be step down from working for the municipality.