Glenburn officials review Northern Light ambulance proposal that could cost about $82,518 a year

Town Manager Mr. McClung told the Glenburn Town Council on July 18 that Northern Light Ambulance has indicated it will not renew the town's current ambulance contract 'as is' at the end of the year and has proposed a per-resident charge that would change how the town funds ambulance coverage. Mr. McClung said the provider proposed $17 per resident; based on a recent census count of 4,854 residents, that would amount to roughly $82,518 annually.

The draft contract, Mr. McClung said, does not meet the town's standards as currently written. He said EMS Director Jordan McLaughlin and Fire Chief Chris Lavoie met with Northern Light to discuss proposed changes and that town staff intend to continue negotiations; "we have until the end of the year to make the necessary changes," he said. No formal motion to accept a new contract was made at the meeting.

Why it matters: a recurring per-resident fee would create a predictable annual cost and could require the town to reallocate budgetary resources if an agreement is reached. Councilors were informed but did not vote on any contract terms at the July 18 meeting.

Council and staff framed the issue as an open negotiation. Mr. McClung underscored that the town must resolve outstanding language in the draft before committing to the proposed fee. EMS Director Jordan McLaughlin and Fire Chief Chris Lavoie were listed by the manager as participants in initial talks with Northern Light.

Next steps: town staff will continue talks with Northern Light before the current contract lapses at the end of the year. The council may consider contract terms, costs and any budget implications at a future meeting once staff has negotiated proposed revisions.