HYDE PARK – The Roosevelt Fire District (RFD) is facing a substantial rate increase for EMS (ambulance) service due to a change in providers. To provide the same level of service currently available, the district will see an increase of more than $300,000. A public information meeting is being held on Wednesday, July 15, to explain what the EMS service contract provides to the district and how the new contract will affect taxpayers.
The current agreement, a partnership between the RFD and Hyde Park Fire and Water District, resulted in a contract with Northern Dutchess Paramedics (NDP) to work alongside RFD volunteer EMTs. NDP has been purchased by Empress Ambulance Service, the primary ambulance provider in Dutchess County.
The RFD, in a letter to taxpayers, said that other EMS providers have been invited to interview, but both Ambulanz and Northwell Health declined to provide service to the Hyde Park area.
According to the RFD, the current EMS contract expires at the end of the year and currently costs the RFD $192,028.00, which is 65 percent of the total joint contract. RFD says that, to provide the same service and increase RFD’s rate to 70 percent based on call volume, the new contract would cost RFD $535,939.00 for 2026, with small increases over the course of the three-year contract.
Another option available to the district would reduce services for those in need, at a cost reduction of only $88,961. The district is not recommending that option.
The July 15 information meeting is taking place at the Henry A. Wallace Education Center at the FDR National Historic Site, 4079 Albany Post Road (Route 9), in Hyde Park. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Inquiries can be sent to or by calling the district offices at 845-454-6299.
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