URBANA - Tough economic times have forced towns and cities across Iowa to make difficult budget decisions. The town of Urbana in Benton County is no exception. Volunteers at the local ambulance service are upset they are losing some financial support.

Funding sources for ambulance services vary in towns and cities. In Urbana, the service is an independent operation with its own board of directors, But ambulance volunteers say voluntary financial support from the town is crucial.

Close to 20 volunteers run the Urbana Area Ambulance Service. The public safety provider operates on an on-call schedule.

"When the page goes out, people on the schedule have to respond. A lot of times, some of us respond to make sure they are okay," says Director Jim Getty.

Last year, volunteers responded to 126 calls. Service calls are the biggest financial contributor to this independent operation. But it also relies on tax dollars from townships it serves, as well as support from the town of Urbana.

"It's not mandatory but very much needed," says Getty.

Even though the service is not a town department, Urbana has provided funds. Last fiscal year the town contributed $12,000 to the service's more than $112,000 budget. When the next fiscal year begins in July, the service will lose that roughly nine percent budget contribution from Urbana.

"We are by no means anti-ambulance. We haven't cut in any way out of the budget. We still provide a building, pay some of the utilities. We just feel this is the best move at this time," says City Council Member A.J. Narveson.

The volunteers appreciate their town headquarters, but say they need every penny possible for ambulance upkeep, equipment, and most importantly training for volunteers. In tough economic times, the city council says financial adjustments are necessary for all departments and are reflected in this next fiscal year's budget.

"What we are trying to do is give citizens the most bang for their buck," says Narveson.

One thing both sides agree on is public safety remains a top priority in Urbana.

Tuesday, the ambulance board will be meeting with some members of the council. Even though the council has already passed the budget for this coming fiscal year, one council member says the council does have authority to amend the budget if necessary.