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Penicook Rescue calls surge; towns press Merrimack County for cost-sharing, county offers $50,000 one-time payment
Summary
Penicook Rescue told Canterbury officials its call volume has grown substantially since 2018 and that a one-time $50,000 payment from Merrimack County was secured for this year; town leaders discussed funding, future formula options and staffing needs for 24/7 coverage.
Penicook Rescue representatives told the Select Board and Budget Committee that call volume from Canterbury and neighboring towns has risen sharply since 2018, and that a one-time $50,000 payment from Merrimack County will offset some operating pressure for 2024.
Chief Sean Brechtel and rescue staff described year-to-year response growth: "In 2018 we were doing 392 calls; 2019 went to 438; 2020 473; 2021 490; 2022 504; 2023 483; and this year we've exceeded 800," one representative said. The committee heard the organization is asking the three participating towns for $650,000 total to cover payroll in 2025; Penicook Rescue's stated payroll is "over $700,000," the presenter said.
Canterbury staff and committee members described multi-town discussions with Salisbury, Bosquelyn and Merrimack County about formulas for cost-sharing. A population-based formula was chosen to lower some towns' shares, and county leaders agreed to a one-time payment: "Merrimack County has agreed to a one-time payment of $50,000," staff told the meeting. Town officials said they will continue talks with Merrimack County about a more permanent contribution.
Penicook Rescue said it is using billing revenue to fund capital reserves and to offset payroll; it also said rising call volumes may require adding another ambulance or more staffing, and that 24/7 ambulance coverage is expensive. Board members asked whether the $50,000 is recurring; staff said it was "one time only." The town and rescue representatives discussed using ARPA or fund-balance offsets this year and the difficulty of moving to a call-volume formula because it would significantly increase some towns' contributions and likely require a competitive procurement process.
Committee members asked for further detail on transport and billing revenue, and for a clarified funding request for 2025. Select Board members said the town will continue negotiating with the county and the rescue service to seek a sustainable long-term formula and asked Penicook Rescue to return with staffing and budget scenarios if additional units are warranted.
No formal vote or commitment beyond the one-time county payment was recorded in the meeting minutes; officials left the item open for future negotiation.
