Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fire and EMS report rising volumes, depleted reserves and capital needs
Summary
Fire and EMS representatives told the board ambulance call volume rose about 41% year over year, revenues from ambulance billing increased, and reserves have been drawn down to cover ambulance staffing and a vehicle payoff; the board requested clearer reserve balances for future budgeting.
The board received a financial update from fire and EMS representatives showing increased call volumes and pressure on reserves. Presenters said ambulance billing revenue was reported as 159 (units not specified in the transcript) and that call volume rose from roughly the mid‑600s to 698 calls this year — a 41% increase in secondary EMS calls in the presenter’s accounting.
Officials said paid EMS staffing costs and the payoff of an ambulance contributed to a reported $84,000 overrun in one line; ambulance reserves were described as approximately $81,000 cash with some of that money earmarked for vehicle replacement and capital needs. The fire department also flagged building maintenance needs, including asbestos abatement and future renovations for bunk rooms if 24‑hour staffing rises.
Why it matters: Higher call volumes and staffing costs can strain town budgets and force use of reserves or increases in the next budget; the board asked for a clear, single‑page reserve summary and for the fire department to explain earmarked uses at budget time.
The board agreed to request a concise monthly highlight for future meetings showing reserve balances, allocations, and any anticipated capital draws.
