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Ulster County adopts $4.7 million EMS stabilization and enhancement plan
Summary
The Ulster County Legislature unanimously approved resolution 102 on May 20, adopting a countywide EMS stabilization and enhancement plan that allocates $4.7 million for support, performance incentives and expanded advanced life support coverage.
The Ulster County Legislature voted unanimously May 20 to adopt an EMS stabilization and enhancement plan and amend the 2025 county budget to provide $4.7 million to shore up emergency medical services.
Legislator Kovacs, who introduced the resolution, described the investment as a “historic step forward” after a year of stakeholder engagement with municipal and nonprofit EMS providers, municipal leaders and volunteers. The plan ties funds to performance benchmarks, reporting requirements and quarterly oversight, Kovacs said: “We are tying these dollars to real performance benchmarks, critical response incentive payments that reward improved response times, increased transparency, and consistent staffing.”
The resolution calls for a dual strategy: financial support for municipal and nonprofit basic life support providers while expanding advanced life support coverage in underserved areas. Kovacs said the plan recognizes private-sector ambulance services and unionized providers as part of a mixed system and aims to preserve and strengthen local volunteer BLS agencies.
The Legislature adopted the resolution by a recorded vote of 21–0. The resolution directs county departments to monitor use of ALS funds, require reporting and implement quarterly oversight. No amendments to the funding total were recorded at the meeting.
The plan’s backers said modifications may be needed as operations evolve but described the funding as time‑bound and performance-driven. Implementation will involve the Department of Emergency Services and Emergency Communications, and the Legislature directed follow-up reporting as part of the 2025 budget amendment.
