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The town of Esopus is urging Ulster County to help fund its ambulance services as it transitions from a volunteer to a professional system. The proposed cost of this transition is estimated at five million dollars. Esopus Town Supervisor Danielle Freer expressed concerns about the financial burden and is advocating for a resolution that would see the county contribute a small portion of the funds. The resolution is set to be voted on by the town board.
According to the Daily Freeman, the resolution would allocate approximately $237,000 to Esopus, part of a broader five-million-dollar distribution among municipalities facing similar challenges. However, Ulster County Emergency Services Director Everett Erichsen opposes the resolution, arguing it would disrupt his plans for a countywide emergency medical services (EMS) system, which has yet to be announced.
Other towns in Ulster County, such as Saugerties and Rosendale, have also supported similar measures. The county's needs assessment report, released in March 2024, highlighted significant challenges including staffing shortages, increasing response times, and financial instability among local EMS providers. Town officials countered Erichsen's concerns by emphasizing the resolution's requirements for transparency and accountability in fund usage.
The proposal by Ulster County Legislator Jason Kovacs to distribute five million dollars among municipalities was previously postponed by the county's Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee. Kovacs suggested the funds be allocated based on population and assessed value, but the proposal faced criticism for lacking performance-based standards and direct financial reimbursement to EMS agencies.
As the debate continues, local officials are calling for immediate solutions to address the rising costs of EMS services. They warn that without county support, municipalities may face significant tax increases in the coming years.