Ongoing Concerns With County Ambulance Service Surface - 21 Million Contract Renewed - County Finances Recognized, Public Hearing Set, Boukai Speaks Out

DELHI - Franklin Supervisor Donald Smith ignited a discussion regarding contracting for ambulance services versus the development of a county-operated one at the Oct. 22 Delaware County Board of Supervisors meeting. The question arose after a resolution was brought to the floor to renew a contracted service with AMR for $2,199,487 over a three-year period. Smith questioned why the county would continue to "dump money" into an outside service rather than developing one in-house. He argued it would be worth doing a cost analysis as well, as it could better support local residents through job security. Smith noted that surrounding counties have been successful in developing a municipal-run service.

County Emergency Services Director Steve Hood noted that an in-house service was explored when the county initially contracted with AMR in 2022. He noted that personnel alone were estimated at $1.2 million annually. Hood agreed to put together a new cost estimate. Hood held that it would be more financially prudent to continue the contract now.

AMR representatives noted that all employees servicing the County live locally or in surrounding counties.

Hancock Supervisor Jerry Vernold noted a disproportionate use of the service, stating that Deposit and Hancock only had 19 calls serviced by AMR, while there were 600 in the Delhi and Davenport areas. Roughly ten years ago, Hancock established a paid ambulance service, which has cost around $2.5 million in taxpayer funds, explained Verold. He asked what he should tell constituents who are now paying for duplicate services. "Its like we are being punished," he said.

Hood explained the service was always intended to be a backup to support volunteers and other services the county already has. "That is what it is doing," he stated.

Hamden Supervisor Wayne Marshfield noted that many of the calls in Delhi are for the nursing home there, which is home to elderly hailing from all over the county. Marshfield suggested calculating the rate per thousand, or the cost for each taxpayer, which might be minuscule.

Those calls that came into Hancock were times the local service was unable to care for its people, said Masonville Supervisor Betty Scott; those were potential lives saved. She further noted that some towns and villages employ police departments while still paying for the County Sheriff. It is a way for smaller towns to leverage services they otherwise could not get, Scott explained.

Colchester Supervisor Arthur Merrill echoed Scott's remarks, stating his town pays nearly half a million on its police department but still recognizes the need for a Sheriff's Office. He further noted that while some towns might pay more in some areas, it all evens out in the budget somewhere. He added that supervisors should strive to support the County as a whole.

Harpersfield Supervisor Lisa Driscoll also noted that those towns with police departments or ambulance services are likely utilizing county resources elsewhere, and it all evens out.

"We need to support our residence," said

While supporting the umbrella service with AMR, Middletown Supervisor Glen Faulkner acknowledged a need to discuss ways to sustain smaller local services.

In the end, the resolution passed with Vernold and Smith voting against. Deposit Supervisor Rebecca Walley and Davenport Supervisor Timothy Kelso were absent.

In another discussion, Three Plus One, a financial firm that the County contracts with to ensure financial liquidity, recognized the municipality for its superior revenue generation. Representative Tyler Frame presented County Treasurer Beverly Shields and Fiscal Manager Carli Pinner with the firm's cashVest 90+ award. The annual award is presented to one of the firm's contracted institutions, which shows a 90% or higher increase in revenue gains. Delaware County went from roughly $607,000 in 2018 when it first contracted with the firm to roughly $5.4 million, said Frame.

"This award is a team effort," said Shields. She recognized Pinner for her dedicated understanding of the County's finances and initiative to stagger investments. Pinner is running for County Treasurer on the November ballot.

At the meeting's end, Delhi Supervisor Maya Boukai requested a full board discussion on potential shared sales tax revenue and the regular hosting of public comments at supervisors' meetings. Boukai argues that the two issues have been brought to officials several times by constituents and have remained suspended in committee for over two years. Without being on the respective committees, Boukai was looking to initiate a discussion.

These are issues being discussed in committee, explained Board Chair and Bovina Supervisor Tina Molè. She noted that it is the protocol for a discussion to be presented to the committee to propose a resolution to the board. Molè further welcomed Boukai to attend committee meetings, which are open to the public.

Walton Supervisor Joe Cetta asked if this is something that has been done before. He understood the protocol to be as Molè stated, and it might not be advantageous to set a precedent.

"That is what we are here for," said Boukai, "To represent our people." Boukai further said it has not been in her best interest to attend committee meetings, which she is not an appointed representative to.

Merrill, who is the County budget officer, noted that shared sales tax could be discussed once the preliminary budget is completed in about a month.

Marshfield, a member of the finance committee, noted that the budget is tight this year, and the committee is working on reducing expenses.

A public hearing to override the state-mandated 2% tax increase is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. The hearing was set in case the budget exceeds the mandate.