MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Residents in Berkeley County have been assessed an ambulance fee for years. Business, not so much.  Brian Costello is the director of the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority:

The Berkeley County Council is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 11:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the County Council Chambers. The topic is the possible implementation of a separate ambulance fee structure for commercial (not residential) customers.

Costello said should a structure be adopted that would assess an ambulance fee for business and industry in the county, council members are hoping to lighten the load for residents, beginning, first with those who qualify for homestead exemption.

The Council will accept comments orally and in writing at the Sept. 1 public hearings. The public is invited to attend. For
further information, contact the Berkeley County Ambulance Authority at 304-264-1921.

Although no decisions have been made, early discussions have included the methodology for determining commercial fees
to include building occupancy, employee count, building square footage, etc. The Council welcomes input and comment
from the commercial and business community.

The Council will accept comments orally and in writing at the Sept. 1 public hearings. The public is invited to attend. For
further information, contact the Berkeley County Ambulance Authority at 304-264-1921.