Town Council Reviews Ambulance Funding and Budget Adjustments for 2024

The Winchester Town Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on April 17, 2025, to discuss various budgetary matters and updates regarding town services. The meeting began with a review of the ambulance service's financial performance, highlighting that the second crew added last year has positively impacted the town. However, due to delays in the budget approval process, only $220,000 of the allocated $280,000 for the ambulance service will be utilized this year, with $60,000 expected to remain unspent.

The discussion then shifted to the town's health insurance costs. A recent update from the insurance provider, Brown and Brown, indicated a reduction in the anticipated increase from 12.1% to 9.9%. This change allows for a potential $17,000 reduction in the health insurance line item of the budget, which the board was encouraged to consider.

As the meeting progressed, the board reviewed the current budget status, noting a projected mill rate increase of 1.91%, equating to a 7% rise from the previous year. The board confirmed that the proposed budget includes 27 of the 59 requested projects, with discussions on how to fund these initiatives without creating future budgetary holes.

The meeting also addressed the funding for the Foothills Visiting Nurses and Hospice, which had seen its budget cut from $34,000 to $10,000. The board was urged to reconsider this reduction, given the essential services provided to the community, particularly for vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the town's ongoing efforts to manage its budget effectively while addressing the needs of its residents. The board plans to revisit the ambulance service funding and the visiting nurses' budget in future discussions, ensuring that essential services remain adequately supported.