By Christie Bleck
Lansing State Journal
Copyright 2007 The Lansing State Journal
LESLIE, Mich. — The Leslie Area Ambulance Service is continuing to operate despite a looming payment to the IRS.
And the Leslie community has been more than willing to help.
Because a former LAAS worker did not pay the service’s employee taxes in 2005 and part of 2006, the service owes the IRS about $80,000, Board Member Don Vickers said.
That matter continues to be investigated, Vickers said.
The LAAS, Vickers said, has until Thursday to have a deal worked out with the IRS. Vickers said the board recently sent a check for $10,000 to the IRS, as well as a certified letter requesting that interest and penalty payments be waived.
The ambulance’s service board thought about temporarily suspending service, but balked upon realizing the service would lose its license.
“We’re hanging in there,” Vickers said.
Options for the LAAS include trying to sell the service or reducing coverage.
Funds to compensate staff continue to be an issue, and have been partially covered by community donations.
These donations had been designated for payroll instead of the tax-delinquency payment.
“Many tough decisions will have to made immediately,” said LAAS board Chairman Dr. Jeffrey DeWeerd in a prepared statement.
“We are running out of time and options.”
However, Vickers said, he is optimistic the service will continue.
“Our main goal is to keep an ambulance in Leslie,” Vickers said.
If the LAAS were to close, Vickers said, neighboring ambulance services might buy the Leslie service. In the meantime, the Mason Ambulance Service and the Jackson County Emergency Ambulance Service would handle calls that the LAAS normally would handle.
Vickers said the local community has been “very responsive” in helping the LAAS, with up to $14,000 that has been raised so far.
A Lansing couple, Matt and Casey Caswell, held a bake sale that generated nearly $500. And more help is planned. A Tex-Mex Fiesta was held Saturday at the American Legion Post 491, 422 Woodworth St.
A “fill-the-trailer” bottle and can drive is taking place in the parking of the Felpausch Food Center, 810 W. Bellevue St.
Donation canisters are set up at Felpausch; Independent Bank, 144 S. Main St.; Homestead Savings Bank, 4625 S. Hull Road; and other businesses.