The Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad asked city council during the budget public hearing tonight for funding that was requested but not put in the upcoming fiscal year financial plan.

The squad asked the city for $25,000 as new healthcare regulations change the amount of money it gets from Medicare and Medicaid for transports, representatives told council.

“In the last 10 to 12 years we have not asked for funding,” said Wayne Smith, a member of the squad’s board of directors.

Smith said the squad has provided “good service” since 1954. “We have held out as long as we could,” asking the city for financial help. “Times are tight with us.”

Mark Collier, commander of the squad, told council in five years the total number of employees has been cut from 36 to 15.

He said the squad provides heavy-duty rescue in the city as well as high angle, water, trench and confined space rescue. “It means quite a lot to industries wanting to come to the area.”

Collier said the squad has been first responder 450 times this year, responded to 110 crashes, went on 81 calls with the fire department and conducted five water rescues. “It’s not like we’re in front of you all the time. We’re silent partners who do work for you. We believe we’re a vital part of the city.”

Transports paid for by insurance made the squad self-supportive when it got into the business around 2001, Collier said. Changes in the healthcare system, however, required cost-saving measures be enacted. “We had to be more streamlined. The rescue squad hasn’t made a request in 11 years. We’ve made adjustments.”

Mayor Emery Doughtie said following the meeting the request was very sensitive. “They offer a very valuable service. We’re going to have to look at our budget again and see if council feels it is enough of a priority to adjust the budget.”