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Jefferson County health committee gives EMS support grant negative recommendation after debate
Summary
After public comment and questions of benefit to local EMS providers and taxpayers, the Jefferson County Health & Human Services Committee voted to send a New York State Department of Health EMS support grant and related budget amendment to the full Board with a negative recommendation (2 aye, 4 nay).
The Jefferson County Health & Human Services Committee voted Feb. 3 to send a New York State Department of Health County Emergency Medical Services Support Grant and a related 2026 budget amendment to the full County Board with a negative recommendation following debate over whether the funding would benefit local EMS providers.
The recommendation followed public comment from Bruce Wright, president and CEO of Guilfoyle Ambulance and chairman of the EMS Advisory Board, who said "the grant-funded services are already being provided by other local agencies" and warned that "using taxpayer money would unfairly compete with private businesses." Wright also criticized the process, saying the EMS Advisory Board had not discussed the grant and stakeholders were contacted individually.
County Administrator Ryan Piche and Public Health Director Steve Jennings were present; Jennings outlined the purpose of the proposed expenditures and answered legislators' questions about how the funds would be used. Committee discussion focused on whether the grant would fill gaps in local EMS coverage or duplicate services already available in the county.
After discussion, the committee recorded two ayes and four nays and agreed to forward the resolution to the full Board with a negative recommendation. Legislators Tina Bartlett-Bearup and Karen Freeman voted in favor; Chair Anthony Doldo and Legislators Robert Cantwell, Frances Calarco and Corey Grant voted against advancing the resolution with a positive committee recommendation.
The action as recorded in the minutes does not indicate additional conditions or an amended motion; the resolution will proceed to the Jefferson County Board for further consideration.
The committee meeting began at 5:15 p.m. and adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
