Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves EMS hires and sets 2026 contract terms with Columbus and New Berlin
Summary
Trustees approved two EMS hires and recorded a motion setting 2026 EMS contract terms: $23,500 for the Town of Columbus and a 2% increase for the Town of New Berlin. EMS Captain Bryan Whitaker reported 402 year-to-date calls and described equipment and radio upgrades.
EMS Captain Bryan Whitaker told trustees there have been "a lot of positive developments recently," reporting a year-to-date call volume of 402 and saying the command vehicle and supplies have been valuable. Whitaker said the department is transitioning to a new radio system with Chenango County Communications and that the Chenango County Office of Emergency Services continues to provide ALS support.
During new business the board approved two staffing items: the hiring of Jacob Taylor as an ALS provider and the addition of volunteer driver Bryce Bolton. Trustee Maryellen Canuel moved to approve the hires; the motion was recorded as seconded by Deputy Mayor Dave Smith and carried with the board voting in favor (Trustee James Crawford absent).
Trustees also considered contract terms for 2026. Deputy Mayor/Trustee Dave Smith moved a motion "for $23,500 for the Town of Columbus and a 2% increase for the Town of New Berlin." The minutes record the motion as approved by the board with named affirmative votes by Maryellen Canuel, Kelly Banks and Mayor Peter Lennon; the contract period is scheduled to start Jan. 1, 2026. The board recorded that EMT Brian Wright has been cleared to work independently and that a potential volunteer driver is enrolled in EMT school.
