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Ulster County adopts $4.7M EMS stabilization plan to boost response and fund performance incentives
Summary
The county legislature unanimously approved a $4.7 million EMS stabilization and enhancement plan on May 20, tying county funding to response benchmarks, establishing incentive payments, and expanding advanced life‑support coverage in underserved areas.
The Ulster County Legislature adopted a comprehensive EMS stabilization and enhancement plan (resolution 102) on May 20, approving targeted county funding intended to shore up municipal and nonprofit emergency medical services, improve response times and create performance incentives.
Legislator Kovac, who presented the measure, described it as a countywide, bipartisan initiative informed by frontline providers: the plan combines municipal and nonprofit support into a dual approach, dedicates $4.7 million in near‑term investment, ties advanced life‑support allocations to reporting and response benchmarks, and implements quarterly oversight and eligibility criteria. "When you dial 911, help will come quickly, professionally, and reliably," Kovac said during debate.
The measure responds to documented staffing gaps and coverage shortfalls in recent years. Public commenters earlier in the meeting — including Chris Ray, the Kingston fire chief — urged swift action, telling the Legislature that local pilot programs and crew shortages underscored the need for county coordination and stable funding.
Vote: The resolution passed unanimously in roll call (21–0). The county directed funds be paired with performance reporting and oversight, with an expectation that the plan will be reviewed as implementation proceeds.
What it means: The package is designed to stabilize volunteer and career EMS agencies through a mix of operating support and incentive payments for improved response performance. Legislators flagged that adjustments may be necessary as agencies report results; the county will monitor ALS fund usage and reporting.
Next steps: Implementation details (agency application processes, reporting templates and oversight cadence) will be coordinated by the County Department of Emergency Services and the County Executive’s office, and will appear in subsequent committee oversight and budget‑monitoring sessions.
