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Council continues talks on sustaining rapid medical response and county ambulance funding; emergency subcommittee schedules follow-up
Summary
Members discussed uncertainty over 2026 funding for the rapid medical response program, county budget timing, and longer-term options for ambulance funding and countywide service coordination; an emergency planning subcommittee meeting was scheduled to explore options including possible county-level funding models.
Tompkins County municipal leaders discussed funding uncertainty for the rapid medical response (RMR) program beyond 2025 and the broader question of how to make ambulance services and funding more equitable across the county.
A council member noted state grant funding covered the 2025 RMR program but said it is unclear whether that support will continue into 2026. County administration said budget preparations for 2026 will begin next month and staff will examine funding packages and report back to the committee. "We are beginning our budget process for 2026... we'll start looking at the numbers and identify and try to identify funding sources for that to move forward," an administration representative said.
Council members discussed possible cost-sharing models between the county and municipalities if state funding does not continue. One member recalled past proposals that aimed to spread costs equitably among municipalities; members said earlier options could inform local budget planning this year if a county contribution is required for 2026.
Separately, the council held an extended discussion about county ambulance response times, uneven funding across municipalities and heavy reliance on a private ambulance provider that performs many runs. Members described rural municipalities seeing a high share of calls served outside their local district and noted concerns that local taxpayers are subsidizing runs elsewhere.
Emergency planning and preparedness subcommittee members said they are exploring options, including the idea — used in some other states — of county-level ambulance taxing or funding mechanisms that would route state or direct funds through county government for local allocation. A hybrid subcommittee meeting on the topic was scheduled for next week (old jail conference room, basement, with Zoom option) to include municipal ambulance services and other stakeholders.
Council members said they want ongoing conversation with the city of Ithaca and municipal leaders, and noted possible state action: lawmakers had at times considered designating EMS as an essential service with state funding; council members said that provision had appeared in some budget proposals but had not been finalized in all houses of the legislature.
No formal motions or votes were taken on policy changes at the meeting; the subcommittee will meet to refine proposals and advise the council on recommended structures or funding options.
