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Atrium CareFlight asks Middletown for partnership on helicopter replacement; city offers five‑year payment plan
Summary
Atrium Health representatives asked council for a contribution toward replacing one of two helicopters at the CareFlight hub; city staff said a five‑year payment schedule could be accommodated from civic development funds and council expressed broad support.
Representatives from Atrium Health returned to Middletown City Council on July 1 seeking municipal assistance to replace one of two CareFlight helicopters serving the region.
What was requested and why Atrium representative Mike Stoutberg described two helicopters that must be replaced — one lost in a hard landing and a second that had reached the end of service life — and said replacement aircraft cost roughly $13.5 million each. Atrium asked municipalities and local foundations for financial support to help cover replacement costs and sustain the CareFlight hub located at Atrium’s facility.
City response City Manager and Finance Director told council staff had identified a potential funding path: a five‑year payment plan beginning with $50,000 in 2025 and four annual payments of $100,000 thereafter. Finance Director Samantha Zimmerman said the Civic Development Fund (Fund 249) has approximately $425,000 remaining and that adopting the payment plan would leave roughly $150,000 for other budget items in 2025.
Council reaction Councilors strongly supported the regional emergency‑medical value of CareFlight. Councilor Paul Lolli and other members recounted incidents in which CareFlight preserved lives, and several members said the request is an investment in public safety rather than a discretionary expense.
Ending Council indicated willingness to move forward with the multi‑year funding plan; staff included the request in the financial plan for council consideration and asked Atrium to continue outreach to additional partners.
