Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Services Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Granby manager urges town to boost ambulance funding, revise operating agreement
Summary
Town Manager Mike Walsh said the Granby Ambulance Association faces revenue shortfalls from insurance reimbursements and recommended increasing the town’s contribution from $20,000 to $80,000 (the $60,000 difference to be covered by the Fox Fund) and revising the operating agreement to strengthen governance.
Town Manager Mike Walsh told the Board of Finance on Jan. 26 that the Granby Ambulance Association (GAA) is not receiving sufficient insurance reimbursement to cover its operating expenses and relies heavily on donations and investment returns from its endowment.
Walsh said GAA’s largest source of revenue is billing — insurance receivables for transport and care — and that reimbursement rates between private and government insurance are dramatically different, leaving a shortfall. He said GAA supplements revenues with roughly $100,000 in annual donations and draws on investment returns from a roughly $1.1 million endowment for capital purchases.
"In order for Granby Ambulance Association to sustain its operations and purchase capital moving forward, the Town is recommending an increase in its annual contribution," Walsh said. "Currently Granby contributes $20,000 annually from the General Fund and that amount needs to increase to $80,000. The additional $60,000 will not come from the taxpayers but will be funded by the Fox Fund." He also said the town will revise the operating agreement with GAA to include stronger governance provisions and oversight.
The town's recommendation was presented as part of agenda communications and will be discussed in further detail during Board of Selectmen budget workshops. The recommendation does not take effect until those deliberations and any budget appropriation decisions are completed.
The Board did not take a formal vote on the contribution at the Jan. 26 Board of Finance meeting; the matter is scheduled for further action in the Selectmen’s budget process.
