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Board weighs Simsbury ambulance funding request, asks for detailed plan before commitments
Summary
The Board discussed a $250,000 capital request from the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association and the town manager’s proposal to negotiate an MOU amendment tying capital support to operational adjustments; selectmen requested detailed five‑year capital and operating projections before approving funds.
Town Manager Mark Nelson told the Board of Selectmen on Jan. 12 that the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association (SVAA) has requested $250,000 toward a new ambulance and that staff recommends negotiating capital assistance together with possible MOU adjustments rather than providing recurring operating subsidies.
Nelson said SVAA has made progress under a three‑year MOU but remains financially strained and might require support beyond the MOU’s conclusion. “They submitted that letter asking for capital ... for the ambulance because it’s a financial necessity for them, and they can’t afford it, themselves,” Nelson said during the discussion.
Why it matters: Reliable ambulance service is a core public‑safety function. Board members debated whether a town purchase or capital contribution would create town ownership and liability, whether a lien or leasing arrangement should protect the town’s interest, and how to avoid increasing the town’s mill rate.
Key details and board direction: Nelson recommended treating an ambulance purchase as a capital expense that can be funded with cash reserves (to avoid immediate mill‑rate impact) and asked for permission to open negotiations with SVAA to explore a capital contribution and a one‑ or two‑year extension or amendment to the MOU. Several selectmen said they wanted SVAA to present clearer forward‑looking financials and a five‑year capital plan before the board made budget commitments. The board asked staff to convene a pre‑presentation meeting with SVAA leadership, the town manager, finance staff and one or two selectmen so that the Jan. 26 public presentation includes specific projections.
Board concerns: Selectmen raised three recurring issues: (1) whether the town should own the ambulance (and the legal/liability implications if it does), (2) how to structure capital support so it does not simply substitute for operating revenue, and (3) the need for a sustainable long‑term model, including alternatives such as regionalization.
Next steps: The town manager will enter conversations with SVAA and report back, and SVAA is scheduled to present its updated finances and projections at the board’s next meeting. Any capital assistance would be considered in the context of the upcoming February budget vote.
Attribution: Town Manager Mark Nelson outlined staff recommendations; selectmen including Curtis and others questioned timing, accountability and ownership terms for a potential town capital contribution.
