Board approves several contract actions: ambulance contingent approval, HR consulting cap, and one-year extension for plumbing/heating

The Belgrade Select Board took multiple procurement actions during its meeting.

Ambulance contract: The board moved to approve the Delta annual service contract with language making execution contingent on voters’ approval of the budget at town meeting; the contract has a July 1 start date and the town can take advantage of a discount if paid by Aug. 31. The motion was seconded and carried with one abstention. Board members discussed signing logistics for outgoing and incoming select board members and agreed the contract should not be finalized until voters approve funding.

HR consulting: Members reviewed invoices and the consultant’s hourly rate of $150 and debated an appropriate cap given remaining benefits and legal issues. The board agreed to cap the HR consulting engagement at $4,000 for the current budget cycle and authorized a signatory to execute the agreement so that work can continue within that limit.

Plumbing and heating: The board discussed whether to run a new RFP for the town’s plumbing and heating services or extend the current incumbent in the interest of continuity. Members favored extending the existing contract for one additional year at the same rate, citing vendor familiarity and administrative efficiency; the motion to extend carried.

Winter sand and salt: Board members noted salt pricing varies annually and said bids from regional cooperative purchasing groups and DOT had been received; they agreed to hold the winter-sand RFP while staff verify details of the existing contract.

These decisions were framed to avoid interrupting essential services while keeping the town within its voter-approved fiscal constraints; several items remain contingent on final budget approvals or confirmation of contract terms.