The rising price of fuel is causing a crunch in the budgets of several businesses, especially some local EMS agencies.

Unlike other emergency agencies that get government funding, emergency squads are funded through levies and billing insurance companies. The levy money funds the workers salaries, leaving insurance fees to pay for equipment, supplies, and fuel. But that can leave for a tight budget.

Some insurance companies will only pay a fixed rate no matter what treatment the patient is given. And if a patient doesn't have insurance or can't pay, the squad eats the cost.

The Taylor County Emergency Squad responds to every call and is on the road 24/7. They don't screen patients before hand and don't know if they can pay or not.

Squad Supervisor Carl Bartlett says they take a hit when the bill doesn't get paid, but it's their job and that's what they're here for.

Diesel's increased by more than $2.00 in the last year and the bill to fuel 3 ambulances in Taylor County has gone up $1,000 in just one year.

And as those prices continue to rise, some agencies have to raise their rates to keep the tanks full. The squad opted to raise their mileage rates a little at their meeting Monday night.

Fire departments who also have EMT's on duty aren't struggling because of their other funding resources, and they don't bill directly for any services. But officials say all departments are concerned.

If fuel prices keep raising, they may have to cut back on training or equipment. And they say they'll have to do more fundraising and rely on support from the public to make it through.