Daniel Zuckerman is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Greene County Ambulance Task Force met Tue., Jul. 18, to discuss the possible consolidation of the Greenville, New Baltimore and Coxsackie ambulance services. Emergency medical services providers and elected officials attended the meeting, held at the county 911 Center in Cairo. Legislator Aidan O’Connor presented the plan. The Durham Democrat said the three towns could save $7,000 under the proposal. “I hope that those who heard the data first-hand can appreciate and recognize the pros and cons and make their own decision,” O’Connor said. “This system aligns with the task force’s mission to benefit our patients, our taxpayers and the EMS profession.” The towns of Coxsackie and Greenville have requested data and a strategy for collaboration and consolidation, O’Connor said. New Baltimore does not have its own ambulance service; 50 percent is contracted with Coxsackie. Coxsackie Town Supervisor Richard Hanse first heard about the consolidation proposal on Tuesday. He said although the prospect of saving money is good, the town has to keep its focus on patient safety and the program should be further enhanced. Greenville Town Supervisor Paul Macko had no comment on the plan. A meeting of the three town boards to further discuss EMS consolidation has been tentatively set for Tue., Aug. 1. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.