KINGWOOD – The first EMS fee statements will be mailed to Preston County residents starting July 15, according to County Administrator Nathan Raybeck.
The annual fee structure established by the ordinance is as follows: living units $90; homestead exemption units $60; recreation units $60; and business units $90. The annual fee may be paid in quarterly installments. The first payment will be due Sept. 1, 2026.
The ordinance includes both automatic exemptions and qualified fee exemptions for certain properties. Property owners who believe they may qualify for an exemption will be able to complete the appropriate exemption form, which will be available on the Preston County Commission website (www.prestoncountywv.gov) once the bills have been mailed.
The ordinance also provides an administrative review process for anyone who believes their property was incorrectly assessed. Administrative review forms will also be available on the commission website and may be submitted for consideration in accordance with the ordinance.
“As we begin implementing this new program, we ask for the public’s patience and understanding. This fee represents an important investment in strengthening emergency medical services throughout Preston County. Helping to ensure reliable ambulance coverage and improving access to emergency care for all residents and visitors. Our goal is to make this process as straightforward as possible, and we are committed to assisting anyone who has questions or concerns,” a statement from the commission said. “Each billing statement will include detailed information explaining the fee, payment, options, where exemption and administrative forms can be obtained, and a telephone number for anyone who has questions or needs assistance.”
Some residents still have questions about the fee and ambulance availability. Brent Davis, who has spoken at several of the meetings concerning Big Bear Lake, said he supports the EMS fee but also has questions.
Davis is a Big Bear Campground property owner, and also has family members who own lots in Big Bear. He is also a Preston County property owner.
“When I saw something in the EMS ordinance that wasn’t right, I pursued it. Only a handful of people knew about this from the very beginning. I’ve been mostly silent, but I did post a few images along the way to show how I felt about the ordinance.”
However, he said the ordinance contains no defined process for initial classification; there is no form, no criteria, and no standard for determining billability; the ordinance defines how to challenge a classification, but not how classifications are made; the ordinance identifies who decides (the commission), but not how they decide; Big Bear lacks the infrastructure required for lawful habitation under state sanitation law; recorded covenants prohibit the systems required for habitation. Also, there is no documented factual basis showing these lots meet the ordinance’s requirements.
In other business, council members passed an $8,500 budget for Preston County Days America 250 Celebration. Commissioner Samantha Stone said the event, which will be held July 25, will kick off at 9 a.m. with the Farmer’s Market at the McGrew House. She said vendors on Price Street will be open at 10 a.m. followed by a ceremony and a parade at 12:30.
Stone said there will be a kids corner and live music. There will also be a History and Heritage tent, a Civics tent, and tents hosted by other county municipalities.
The next meeting of the Preston County Commission will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
