Alton fire chief seeks paramedic training, four full-time hires drive wage jump; ambulance fund approved
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Summary
The fire chief told selectmen the department's 2026 budget increases largely reflect four full-time positions approved by warrant last year and training costs to add paramedics; the ambulance revolving fund budget was approved at $245,002.
The Alton fire chief told the Board of Selectmen on Nov. 12 that the department's proposed 2026 operating request reflects a sizable restructuring: four full-time positions approved last year via warrant-article funding and some anticipated promotions.
The chief asked for increases in overtime (about $50,000), expanded training line items to subsidize paramedic certification (discussed at roughly $15,000 per paramedic course with the town considering subsidizing 50% of costs), and increased holiday/benefit buyout costs associated with full-time staffing. He said one full-time paramedic is currently on staff, with multiple per-diem medics on the roster; the department's goal is more full-time paramedic coverage (chief suggested up to four full-time paramedics to place at least one on each shift).
The chief reported ambulance-billing revenue increased from roughly $300,000 in 2023 to about $500,000 in 2024 and that current-year collections were on pace for roughly $400,000. He noted a 2025 law change allowing municipalities to charge up to 325% of current Medicaid rates to commercial insurers (eliminating balance billing) and said improved collections may help offset training and overtime investments.
Selectmen approved the ambulance revolving fund budget at $245,002 by voice vote. On wages, board members asked for clearer spreadsheets tying Article 14 warrant-article staffing dollars to full-year costs and asked the chief to return with reconciled numbers and a personnel policy clarifying probationary eligibility for merit increases.
What happens next: Fire chief will provide updated wage spreadsheets accounting for prorated Article 14 hiring and return with a policy proposal for handling special-event detail or stipend mechanisms to comply with labor laws.