Summary
The county is applying for a $500,000 state grant to expand its Rapid Medical Response program from EMT-level to paramedic-level care, running 24/7 on weekdays. Members flagged the roughly $490,000 local cost — about 1% of the tax levy — with full impact expected in the 2028 budget.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 25, 2026.
Impact analysis
Up to $490,000 in county costs, hitting the budget around 2028 — roughly 1% of the property tax levy.
Residents in EMS-desert areas of the county who could get paramedic-level care faster, and transport agencies that gain ALS support.
Taxpayers, who will eventually absorb the local share of the expansion cost.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Public Safety Committee - Regular Meeting — August 25, 2026
The Sheriff's CARE Team and Ithaca's ROOTS program offer alternatives to police response for crises. Undersheriff Olin will present on CARE at an upcoming Public Safety Symposium, and residents urged continued support for non-police response.
Health and Human Services Committee - Regular Meeting — August 19, 2026
A resident asked whether the county has been looped into the City of Ithaca's unarmed ROOTS responder program, which will intersect with county social services and law enforcement. Chair Brooks said he's been involved through his other role and pointed her to the city's CJC lead.
Public Safety Committee - Regular Meeting — June 23, 2026
The county is applying for a $500,000 state grant to expand its Rapid Medical Response program from EMT-level to paramedic-level care, running 24/7 on weekdays. Members flagged the roughly $490,000 local cost — about 1% of the tax levy — with full impact expected in the 2028 budget.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — March 19, 2026
A second CARE Licensed Clinical Therapist will join the crisis team responding to mental health emergencies in the city — funded by the City of Ithaca with no net county cost. Legislators praised the team's work and hoped for after-hours expansion.
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