Tusten ambulance service seeks town support

By KIMBERLY M. WEYANDT

NARROWSBURG, NY — “We’ve come to realize that without help we’ll be broke in about four years,” Tusten Volunteer Ambulance Service President Rodney Branning told the Tusten Town Board on Monday, August 8. Branning attended the meeting with Captain Francis Cape in search of funding or ideas for the 23-member volunteer corps, which is comprised of 15 active drivers and four emergency medical technicians.

“Calls are increasing, but our volunteers seem to be dropping,” said Branning. “We’re getting desperate for volunteers and we’re being forced to start a payroll and staff people.”

Cape agreed that the lack of volunteers is a challenge, he said, the real probelm is the lack of funding.

“Last year the cost of paid EMTs was triple what it was the year before, and this year it’s projected to be up 30 percent,” said Cape.

“We need a new ambulance, but we can’t afford it and we’re in need of volunteers, which we have to supplement with cash,” said Branning .

“Last year, with all our expenses, we were about $15K short and so we paid out of our savings. If we keep going at this rate, in three to four years we’ll be out of money,” he said.

“We rent part of our building to the state troopers and in their lease there is a clause concerning fuel costs. The last time those increases were worked in was 2003. At that time fuel was $1.13. It’s now $1.85 a gallon. So we ask that the rent increases to take into account rising gas prices and anticipated increases.”

The board, which will be working on their budget in the near future, did not think this request unreasonable.

“You should send the board a written letter,” said Charlie Knapp. “We’re starting our budget now and you can request this.”