County, city split West OC fire/EMS service

Public safety services provided by Ocean City to its unincorporated neighbor West Ocean City have been part of the conversation between local and county officials for years, as the resort government has long argued for a reduced tax rate for its property owners.

Fire and ambulance emergency response to West Ocean City is perhaps the most expensive service, though much of it is provided by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. The OCVFC, which has a station on Keyser Point Road, is the only service foothold in the area. However, Ocean City provides supplementary services for a price.

There’s no absolute way to determine how much resort taxpayers contribute to cover the cost of serving West Ocean City properties, since it depends on which agency answers the call.

Outside of Ocean City, the volunteer fire company’s jurisdiction goes from the Route 50 bridge west to Holly Grove Road, south on Assateague Road and north of Keyser Point Road, according to Worcester Emergency Services Director Fred Webster. But in some cases the Ocean City Fire Department, which is supported by city taxpayers, respond to emergencies across the bridge.

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