ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Officials want to make Tompkins County ambulance services more equitable.

Tompkins County Legislature Chair Dan Klein said municipal leaders have expressed interest in sharing the financial burden.

Klein recently told WHCU that Governor Hochul is considering declaring Emergency Medical Services as essential services, joining fire and police services. Counties would be responsible for implementation and operations.

“She’s also proposing putting in a few million dollars into this effort,” said Klein. “It’s not a lot of money, but it’s the first time that a governor in New York State has ever put any money towards this effort.”