Wolfeboro moves toward fire‑department 911 ambulance service with phased funding plan

The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen recommended warrant articles on Jan. 15 that would begin a phased transition to a fire department–based 911 ambulance service, asking voters to raise $816,223 for 2025 start‑up costs and to consider follow‑on funding in 2026 that would enable full operation of two ambulances by Jan. 1, 2027.

The selectmen and an ad hoc committee told residents the change is proposed in response to shrinking private 911 ambulance capacity across New Hampshire and rising contract costs. "More than 70% of New Hampshire communities either have or contract with neighboring towns to supply fire department based 911 ambulance services," Selectman Brian Deshaies said, citing recent private providers that have stopped 911 service in the state.

The ad hoc committee that studied options recommended a phased plan. "The program would be phased in and fully transitioned to fire rescue operation of 2 ambulances by the end of 2026," Fire Chief Tom Zotic said, describing a rollout that begins with hiring a deputy chief of EMS in April 2025, additional hires in July 2025 and 2026, and placing a used, fully equipped ambulance into service in late 2025.

Why it matters: committee members and town leaders said the move is intended to stabilize emergency medical coverage and reduce the town's exposure to private providers exiting the 911 market on short notice. The town's population profile — the committee noted roughly one‑third of residents are age 65 or older — figures into both demand forecasts and the committee's urgency.

Key financial details: the 2025 request of $816,223 covers the deputy chief paramedic salary and benefits (approx. $124,785, starting April 1), three firefighter/EMS hires (approx. $228,605, starting July 1), operating expenses for those employees, a response vehicle ($75,000), and purchase/refurbish of a used fully equipped ambulance (estimated $294,000). The committee estimated 2026 costs at about $1.4 million and 2027 ongoing costs at roughly $1.1 million, though grant funding searches are ongoing.

Committee process and next steps: the ad hoc committee included municipal and citizen representatives and a town staff presence; its report guided the selectmen's articles. Zotic said the town has applied for a federal grant that, if awarded, could cover up to 95% of a new ambulance purchase but results are months away. If voters approve the 2025 funding at town meeting, the town intends to proceed with hiring and licensing steps and to issue an RFP for ambulance billing services.

What the selectmen voted: the Board of Selectmen recommended the 2025 warrant article by a 5–0 vote and asked voters at the March town meeting to approve the appropriation. The ad hoc committee recommended pursuing grant opportunities to offset capital costs.

Questions and concerns raised: board members and presenters acknowledged the plan is a sizable near‑term expense and said transparency and phased implementation were chosen to reduce operational risk. Residents will decide the appropriation at the town meeting. The town will continue to negotiate with Stewart's Ambulance during the phase‑in to reflect the town operating one ambulance partway through 2025–26.

For more information: the town said residents may contact Fire Chief Tom Zotic or the town manager for details about staffing, licensing, grants, and the projected timeline.