UPDATE The Icon was notified by the USV Ambulance District that the Board initially planned to purchase three acres of ground at $15,000 per acre for a total of $45,000.  When the survey was complete, however, the Board purchased 2.323 acres for the price of $34,845.

By Alec Keller

Residents of Alger, McGuffey and Roundhead shared feedback Thursday, January 22, during a public meeting hosted by the Upper Scioto Valley Ambulance District.

The district plans to build a $1.9 million station at 12231 State Route 235 in Harrod with funding supported by a 5.5-mill levy approved by voters in May 2023.

She said the decision to pursue a new facility was driven by several factors, including a continued decline in volunteer staffing and the district’s current station in Alger no longer meeting state requirements for 24-hour operations.

According to Helton, the proposed building will include a larger living area with a kitchen, two full bedrooms and shower facilities, amenities that are needed to fulfill state requirements.

“That’s just a few of the different things we’re looking at with this new building,” Helton said. “Currently, every transport to Lima Memorial Hospital is about 22 minutes and 15 miles from the Village of Alger’s post office.”

Utilizing Google Maps, Helton outlined comparisons of mileage and travel‑time data, with the intent to create a balance of six to eight minute range to all three population centers.

Current Station — 207 E. Wagner Street, Alger (Marion Township)

Alger Post Office: 0.2 miles — 1 minute

McGuffey Post Office: 4.5 miles — 7 minutes

Roundhead Post Office: 11 miles — 15 minutes

Proposed Station — 12279 State Route 235, Harrod (Roundhead Township)

Alger Post Office: 4.9 miles — 6 minutes

 McGuffey Post Office: 6.7 miles — 8 minutes

 Roundhead Post Office: 6.1 miles — 8 minutes

Transport Distances to Lima Memorial Hospital

From Alger Post Office: 15 miles — 22 minutes

From McGuffey Post Office: 18 miles — 27 minutes

From Roundhead Post Office: 18 miles — 27 minutes

During public comment, Roundhead Fire Chief Adam Gratz spoke favorably of the project, noting that a centrally located station could significantly improve emergency response times and increase call volumes throughout the district.

“Without volunteers, if you’re going to a full-time paid squad, you have to have one squad who is in the center of the district,” Gratz said. “If you’re going to be fair and equal to your whole community and you only have one squad and they’re full time people, you have to put it where it is accessible to everybody in the same timeframe.”

Gratz added that according to the geographic mapping, the proposed new site is within 3 miles of the ‘perfect center of the district.’

While much of the feedback centered on improved service, some community members raised questions about funding. Jason Aldridge of Alger asked what would happen if a levy didn’t pass.

Helton explained that the hope is that through PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) in wind and solar energy programs, the district will accrue a combined total of $341,066.86 multiplied over five years, and have the building paid off in that timeframe.

Concerns about transparency were also discussed. Alger Mayor Von Summa, who serves on the district’s board, made a motion to purchase audio recording equipment for meetings at a cost not to exceed $250. The motion was approved.

The Upper Scioto Valley Ambulance District meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for February 26, 2026.