Kingston Ambulance Revenues Expected to Surpass $1.5 Million

The city of Kingston, New York, anticipates that revenues from its ambulance service will surpass expectations this year, with projections indicating a potential total of $1.9 million by the end of 2025. City Comptroller John Tuey shared this optimistic outlook during a meeting with the Common Council’s Finance and Audit Committee on September 10, 2023.

Tuey reported that the city-run ambulance service, operated by the Fire Department, has averaged $160,000 in revenues over the past four months, including a notable $200,000 in the most recent month alone. This performance is encouraging, as the original budget for the service was set at $1.5 million.

Projected Growth in Revenues

Looking ahead, Tuey expressed confidence that revenues could reach $2 million in 2026. He noted that the financial landscape for Medicaid, particularly the cuts instituted by the Trump Administration, is not expected to significantly impact the ambulance service in the coming years.

Despite this positive outlook, Tuey emphasized the importance of maintaining realistic budget expectations. “I’m skeptically optimistic,” he remarked, highlighting his approach to avoid overestimating revenues while planning for the city’s financial future.

In addition to revenue concerns, Tuey pointed out that the ambulance service has faced challenges related to substantial overtime costs. He stressed that while these financial pressures exist, the overall cost of running the service remains favorable compared to contracting with a private provider.

Quality of Service Remains High

The city transitioned to its own ambulance service from the private provider Empress EMS at the beginning of 2024. According to Tuey, this change not only provides a better quality of service to residents but also ensures that financial resources are used effectively.

The performance of the Kingston ambulance service reflects a broader commitment to delivering essential services while managing costs. As the city continues to monitor revenues and expenses, officials remain focused on providing high-quality care to the community.