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Consultant reports progress on countywide fire/EMS collaboration; commissioners extend contract for six months
Summary
Paul Froman told the Penobscot County commissioners he has met with more than 20 agencies while helping form regional fire/EMS cooperation; commissioners approved a six‑month contract extension funded from LATCF-related receipts, estimated at about $45,500.
Penobscot County commissioners voted Jan. 21 to extend a six-month contract for Paul Froman, the consultant working to build regional fire and EMS cooperation among county municipalities.
Froman summarized his work to date, saying he has met with more than 20 municipal leaders, city managers and fire chiefs to discuss potential collaboration. “From day one I was brought back on board to continue this project,” Froman told the commissioners, adding that his outreach has produced steady interest: “I’ve met with probably over 20 agencies or communities in total that have at least some interest in the conversation.”
Commissioners and staff said the Central Maine Highlands Fire & EMS District — the county’s recently formed regional provider referenced at the meeting — has created interest statewide and that other counties and municipalities have asked for details on how it was organized. In the meeting, Froman referenced Title 30-A §164 as the statutory mechanism that enabled creation of formalized fire districts in Maine and said the Central Maine Highlands model is the first operational example in many years.
County staff asked the commission to approve a six-month extension so Froman could continue planning and outreach. The meeting record lists the estimated expense for that extension at about $45,500, described as a weekly stipend plus travel expenses. Commissioners approved the extension; staff said the funding will come from LATCF-related receipts the county has (identified in the meeting materials as G2/LATCF related to the unorganized territory and the Woods and Waters monument).
Commissioners asked staff to supply a contract amendment and an itemized expense report and to return with updates. County officials also suggested producing a written synopsis of the Central Maine Highlands District’s mechanics — memos, bylaws and legal work — so other counties could review and learn from the model.
The commission approved the six-month extension by voice vote and directed administration to return with contract details and expense reporting.
