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 guidance (the referendum), a possible 2025 appropriation for initial staffing and equipment, and whether federal or state grants would reduce the town’s net cost.

Key elements and timing - The town’s plan would hire a deputy fire chief effective April 1, 2025, add three firefighters July 1, 2025, and move toward operating at least one fully equipped ambulance as the private provider scales back. Town staff said the separate warrant article for raising and appropriating funds for this plan would total roughly $816,000 if approved by voters. - Committee members and the ad hoc group said the two‑year on‑ramp gives time for recruitment, equipment procurement and public education; proponents said it should reduce the risk of a sudden service gap if the private provider withdraws.

Grants, revenue and uncertainty - Town staff reported existing grant activity: applications have been filed that could supply equipment funding (staff reported $559,925 in grant applications for equipment to date) and the fire department plans to apply for a SAFER grant that could offset several years of staffing costs. Officials stressed that grant awards are not guaranteed. - Dr. Kalowski and the committee emphasized transparency about grant pursuit in voter materials and in the nonbinding referendum’s explanatory materials. The committee asked that language in presentation materials clearly note that grants are being sought and that the figures presented are estimates subject to change.

Billing and cost recovery - Committee members asked whether a municipal ambulance would be perceived as a “free ride.” Fire department leaders said it would not be free: the department intends to adopt a billing policy and a third‑party billing service; the deputy chief’s early responsibilities include drafting billing and collection policies for select‑board approval. Officials noted insurance and Medicare reimbursement schedules limit what a billing service can collect from payers.

Public outreach and next steps - The ad hoc committee will present to civic groups and at the budget committee’s public hearing on Jan. 14; members said they would delay broad public outreach until warrant language is finalized to avoid confusion. The budget committee did not vote on the referendum itself during the Jan. 9 meeting; the committee discussed logistics and asked for clearer written language for the public packet.

What remains unresolved - Grant award outcomes and the final cost estimates for equipment and staffing. Officials warned that final taxpayer impact figures could change based on grant success and equipment procurement timelines.

Ending note: Committee members said they will review the referendum language at the next meeting and expect ad hoc committee members and the fire department to present more detailed cost assumptions and the draft billing policy at public hearings later in January and February.