Benton Harbor City Commissioners are pushing back on a proposed millage increase to fund rising ambulance service costs. 

City Manager Alex Little suggested seeking an additional 0.8 mills after Medic 1 announced a new fee structure, raising the city’s annual cost by about $156,000.

That would bring the total to $256,000 a year. Commissioner Juanita Henry says she’s not in favor of asking taxpayers for more money, urging officials to explore other options.

Public safety officials say creating an in-house ambulance service isn’t realistic, citing startup costs far exceeding the increase.

According to WSJM, commissioners have asked Little to continue negotiations with Medic 1.