West Clinton fire chair warns ALS transport costs may rise after private-equity purchase; district wins brush-truck grant with a local funding gap
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Summary
West Clinton Fire District chair told the Town Board that ALS ambulance coverage arrangements could change after the purchase of a local ambulance provider by a private equity–owned company, potentially raising costs; the district also secured a $250,000 grant for a brush truck but faces a $100,000 funding gap.
At the Feb. 10 Town of Clinton meeting, the chair of the West Clinton Fire Commissioners reported on two issues affecting emergency services.
The chair said Northern Duchess Paramedics, which had provided advanced life support (ALS) transport under informal agreements, was acquired by a company operating as Empress, owned by Patient Care EMS and ultimately by Grant Avenue Capital, a private-equity firm. The chair warned that Empress plans to replace handshake agreements with formal contracts later in the year and that those contracts may come with higher fees. He said the fire districts are pooling information countywide to try to minimize cost increases and that county leaders are aware and working on solutions.
The chair also said the district obtained a $250,000 grant (split as $125,000 from two representatives) to buy a brush truck to replace aging equipment. He told the board the estimated cost of the equipment is about $350,000, leaving an approximate $100,000 gap that the district intends to fill through fundraising and reserves.
Board members and residents thanked the chair for the update. The chair said the district will continue to coordinate with neighboring districts and county officials, and will use the district website and future meetings to share new information.