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Ambulance Task Force reviews projections showing local ambulance service could exhaust funds by March 2027
Summary
The East Hampton Ambulance Task Force reviewed financial projections for the Ambulance Association that show a cash shortfall under current operations and discussed town contributions, a resident survey, and drafting a report for the Town Council; members asked that budget figures be provided to the Town Manager by the end of February.
Chairman Richard Knotek led the Ambulance Task Force meeting Thursday and presented projection exhibits showing that the Ambulance Association would exhaust its operating funds by March 2027 if it continues under current revenue and expense levels.
The projections, described by Knotek and reviewed by members, examined five years of income statements, equipment depreciation and monthly operating costs. The materials estimated the association needs roughly $20,000 per month to operate and outlined a town-funding scenario that would begin on Jan. 1, 2026: a $100,000 town contribution plus an additional $50,000 to make up for the association’s current shortfall. The exhibits also listed a 2027 budget target of $150,000 and a 2028 target of $260,000 to sustain operations and cover capital and operating needs.
Why it matters: local ambulance coverage is an essential emergency service for East Hampton. Without a sustainable funding plan, the association’s projected insolvency could jeopardize response capacity for residents.
Task force discussion and direction Knotek and other members debated how to close the funding gap. They discussed turning investments into cash to reduce financial risk, the depreciation and rotation schedule for vehicles (noted by the chief as a method used to manage wear), and the need to review five years of the association’s finances to refine estimates. Task force members agreed to draft a report and recommendation for the Town Council at the next meeting and requested that the association and task force provide an estimated budget amount to Town Manager David Cox by the end of February.
Community input and next steps Members also discussed preparing a resident survey to collect local input about ambulance services and priorities; the minutes note there was a prior anonymous survey completed during a consultant evaluation. The task force decided to outline short- and long-term options, estimated costs, and follow-up items for the next meeting.
Procedural actions and logistics The meeting record shows several procedural motions: Vice Chairman Tim Feegel moved to adopt the agenda, seconded by Deborah Cunningham (recorded vote: 5-0); Feegel again moved to approve the Dec. 19, 2024 minutes with a location correction, seconded by Cunningham (recorded vote: 6-0). The task force set its next meeting for Monday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 P.M. and adjourned at 7:33 P.M. after a motion by Patrick Walsh and second by Tim Feegel (recorded vote: 5-0). The minutes list attendance as "Chairman Richard Knotek, Vice Chairman Tim Feegel, Dale Maynard, Deborah Cunningham, and Patrick Walsh with Town Manager David Cox." The minutes do not explain the differing recorded tallies on the procedural votes.
What the task force did not decide No final funding commitment or formal agreement with the town was approved at the meeting. Members set deadlines for further analysis and said they would return with a draft recommendation for the Town Council; no vote on funding or a formal town contribution was taken at this meeting.
Next procedural step The task force will reconvene Feb. 3, when members expect to present the outline and estimated costs that will form the recommendation to the Town Council.
