Budget committee reviews nonbinding ambulance referendum, fire-based plan and grant strategy

Wolfeboro’s Budget Committee on Jan. 9 heard detailed briefings on a proposed nonbinding referendum and a companion warrant article that would finance a transition from privately run ambulance service to a fire-department–run ambulance program.

The committee heard from Dr. Ray Kalowski, chair of the ad hoc ambulance committee, and the town’s fire command that the nonbinding referendum is intended to gauge voter support for a two‑year “on‑ramp” plan. If voters support the referendum, the select board could later adopt a separate raise-and-appropriate warrant to begin hiring and equipment purchases. Town staff told the committee the article removed a $777,000 placeholder from the proposed operating budget after the select board’s recent adjustments.

Why it matters: Committee members said the issue affects public safety, the town’s long-term budget and residents’ out-of-pocket costs for ambulance rides. The discussion centered on the sequence of voter…