Department of State to support EMS sustainability study; supervisors urged to bolster tourism workforce training

Isaac, a committee member, told supervisors the New York State Department of State will provide funding to cover half the cost of an EMS sustainability study the county is preparing. The study is intended to coordinate EMS providers across Warren County, identify efficiency opportunities and align with an impending state requirement that counties produce EMS sustainability plans.

"The Department of State is going to be covering half the share of an EMS study," staff reported; the project will bring together EMS companies from across the county to explore collaboration opportunities and efficiency measures, staff said.

Isaac and other members also noted the summer lunch program tied to the youth employment effort; staff said meals will be served beginning July 1 at East Field and the Salvation Army on Broad Street in Glens Falls and that youth are receiving safe‑food training as part of the workforce program.

The committee spent time discussing local tourism workforce training and local college program enrollment. Several members urged renewed emphasis on tourism‑related education and training, arguing the county’s economic reliance on tourism justifies efforts to revive or expand relevant programs at area colleges. The transcript included differing views on enrollment and program viability and suggestions to partner with businesses to increase demand for tourism management training.

The meeting closed after routine reminders and no formal actions were taken specifically on EMS beyond reporting the Department of State funding commitment; staff said they will proceed to scope the study and coordinate stakeholders.