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Council approves three-year contract with private ambulance provider as costs shift to tax levy
Summary
Middletown approved a three-year contract with a private ambulance provider (referred to as Empress in the transcript); council said the expense follows a statewide ambulance-service crisis and noted the cost shift from ARPA to the tax levy, contributing to a planned 2% levy increase.
The Board of Estimate authorized a three-year contract with a private ambulance service on Nov. 14 amid discussion about rising regional costs for emergency medical services.
Council discussed that the city funded ambulance coverage with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds last year and that the new contract would move the cost into the regular budget, contributing to an anticipated 2% increase in the tax levy. The transcript records several numeric entries that appear garbled; the chair clarified during discussion that the figures presented are expressed in thousands.
Officials said the fire union declined to provide ambulance service and the city is exploring alternatives including regional approaches; staff indicated reimbursements and changing state legislation are factors in cost calculations. The motion to approve the three-year contract for 2025'027 passed by voice vote.
Councilors said they expect to seek regional partners or state assistance where available and will monitor contract performance and cost implications for the city budget.
