Select Board allocates $304K for Southern Berkshire ambulance operations

The Great Barrington Annual Town Meeting on May 3, 2025, focused on critical funding for local emergency services, particularly the Southern Berkshire ambulance squad. The select board proposed a motion to allocate $304,909.11 from the town's free cash to support the ambulance service, which was met with a second and proceeded to discussion.

During the meeting, resident Karen Smith raised a question regarding the specific use of the funds, seeking clarity on how the $304,000 would support the ambulance service. Jim Santos, a member of the board of directors for the Southern Berkshire Ambulance, addressed her inquiry by highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the emergency medical services (EMS) in the area.

Santos explained that the funding is essential due to a critical shortage of paramedics and EMTs, which has significantly impacted service delivery. He noted that the previous year saw a decrease in transports, resulting in a loss of approximately $217,000 in potential revenue. Additionally, the shortage of staff led to increased overtime costs, amounting to around $121,000. Together, these factors justified the need for the $304,000 appropriation.

The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges in maintaining adequate emergency medical services in Great Barrington, emphasizing the importance of community support for the ambulance squad's operations. The meeting concluded with a clear understanding of the financial needs of the ambulance service and the implications for public safety in the town.