DELAWARE COUNTY - The Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation has provided a $900,000 grant to fund startup fees for a shared ambulance service in the towns of Kortright, Harpersfield and Stamford. Foundation Director Don E. VanEtten established a board of directors for a not-for-profit organization to operate an EMS service, and met on Wednesday, March 23.
EMS directors include Eileen King of Harpersfield, Darby Hartwell of Stamford, Meg Hungerford of Kortright, Debbie Coager of Stamford, Mary Lee Hill of Harpersfield, and Duane Martin of Kortright. VanEtten said board members have diverse backgrounds that will support development of the organization.
King is a physician’s assistant and former Stamford EMT (emergency medical technician). King owns a business and understands business management, said VanEtten.
Hartwell was not able to attend the first meeting due to another obligation. As a former EMT, family business owner, and Stamford school board member, Hartwell has a rounded knowledge base to support the organization said VanEtten.
Hungerford is Kortright’s bookkeeper and Walton Central School business manager. Her financial background will be helpful in developing a business plan.
Coager is the owner of Don’s Dairy Supply Inc. in Kortright and former EMT.
Hill is a nurse and owner of Shaver Hill Maple Farm in Harpersfield. VanEtten said Hill does the financial work for the business.
Martin is New York Farm Bureau District 9 director and owned a family-run dairy farm for many years. He was nominated by the Stamford Town Board because of his knowledge of local policy and procedures.
Directors unanimously approved the name of the new ambulance service as Headwaters Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).
Delco Creative will develop a domain name, website, email address, and logo for the organization.
The Terrence Hannigan law firm was hired by Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation to consult for the board during the startup process. Hannigan presented initial steps board members will need to take and regulations they need to abide by.
Hannigan will file state paperwork for starting a business, while Hungerford files for a federal employer identification number for tax purposes.
Hannigan said after official documents are completed, an executive director or manager should be hired to take on management responsibilities and recruit staff. The board will look at sample job descriptions and advertise for the position. VanEtten provided staff with a resume and letter of interest from a local resident. He said the applicant is a good candidate for the position.
The board will need to establish a contract with an ambulance billing service. Hannigan said New York state has several good companies to chose from.
VanEtten said salary will be the largest problem. He said Sidney recently raised wages to $18 per hour for EMTs, $26 for critical care providers, and $27 for paramedics. “They are paying $500,000 a year just in salaries,” he said.
Hannigan said the board should look at paying more than the closest agency and offer a 403b retirement plan. “We have EMS people who work over 100 hours a week going from one agency to another,” he said. “We have had issues in my area where ambulance drivers are falling asleep while driving.”
Hannigan told board members to create an attractive and comfortable place of work to combat retention and recruitment issues. He said it did not look like Sidney’s financial reports indicated they offer health insurance options for staff.
VanEtten said if the board offered insurance options it could help with staff retention.
Hill said there might be non-for-profit state grants for student loan repayment or payment for continuing education that could incentivize employment. He said Hobart ambulance service has two advanced life support vehicles available for use by HEMS which will help save upfront costs, though the board will need to purchase an ambulance in the future.
VanEtten said the three towns - Kortright, Harpersfield and Stamford - have committed to contributing $100,000 each annually for the service.
VanEtten spoke with Assemblyman Chris Tague who recently secured $50,000 for paid EMS service in Schoharie County. Board members will contact Delaware County EMS Coordinator Margaret Wilson for organizational help. Board members discussed contacting Congressman Antonio Delgado and Congressional Candidate and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro for financial support for the new service.
Hannigan said a target start date of Jan. 1, 2023 is reasonable.
The next HEMS meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20 at 6 p.m.
