Greene County Ambulance System Policy Group Meeting - April 09, 2025

The Greene County Ambulance System Policy Group met on April 9, 2025, to discuss the challenges and potential solutions for improving ambulance services across the county. The meeting focused heavily on staffing shortages, cost projections for expanding and standardizing the ambulance fleet, and the financial impact on county and town tax bills. Various options were considered, including maintaining the current system with increased county funding, consolidating services under a county-run system, or contracting with private ambulance providers. The group reviewed detailed payroll cost estimates indicating a potential $3.5 million increase to support a fully staffed 10-rig system, with additional considerations for equipment standardization and asset management yet to be fully costed. Discussions also covered the possibility of applying for state grants to support consolidation efforts and the complexities of transitioning to a countywide ambulance service, including intermunicipal agreements and certification of need. The consensus leaned toward pursuing a phased consolidation starting with a pilot district, with an emphasis on creating career paths and competitive pay to improve recruitment and retention. The group planned to continue refining cost estimates, including capital and operational expenses, and to hold further meetings to develop a comprehensive plan.