During the Select Board’s Aug. 27 retreat members spent a substantial portion of the agenda reviewing ambulance funding, how ambulance payroll and revenues are recorded, and the legal responsibilities of the fire chief under a so‑called "strong chief" arrangement.

What board members said: Several members said the town created an ambulance receipts revolving account years ago and that the fund has sometimes been used to support the general fund or capital purchases. Participants requested a clear accounting of how ambulance fees and reserve receipts have been used and noted prior town‑meeting votes in 2006 and 2013 that affect how ambulance revenues are treated.

Payroll split and reporting issues: Select Board members questioned recent payroll allocations that split costs between the fire department and ambulance receipts, and asked for documentation explaining the split and whether allocations reflected actual usage. One member said earlier requests to the fire chief about the allocation had not been answered and reiterated the board’s request for a full explanation.

Strong chief and governance: Members discussed the legal concept of a “strong chief” under state law, which gives a fire chief certain hiring and personnel authority; the board noted this may alter the town’s organizational chart and reporting responsibilities. The board also discussed whether ambulance services should be a separate department or remain licensed to the fire department (the presenters said current ambulance licenses are issued to the Templeton Fire Department by state EMS authorities).

Next steps and directions: The board asked staff to compile the relevant town‑meeting votes, fund balances and transaction histories for the ambulance receipts account and to return with documentation clarifying payroll splits and legal reporting authorities. The board did not take any personnel action at the retreat.