Simsbury to back volunteer ambulance purchase as residents describe tight EMS finances

Chris Kelly, speaking for the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association, told the hearing the association faces a structural revenue shortfall because state fee caps and low Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement rates do not cover the cost of transports.

"The ambulance will arrive in July at a cost of $253,000," Kelly said, adding the association has raised more than $50,000 toward the vehicle. He told the boards that in the previous year the town logged about 3,000 911 calls and 1,844 transports and that 62% of transports were for people older than 65.

Kelly explained the reimbursement math: Medicaid reimburses roughly 35% of the state maximum and Medicare about 47% of that state maximum, leaving a gap between allowed fees and operating cost.

First Selectman Wendy Maxus and board members discussed funding mechanics and asked staff and the town attorney to outline an option that would let the town purchase the vehicle and lease it back to the volunteer association without creating liability. The selectmen approved contributing up to $200,000 from capital reserves for the vehicle purchase, to be reduced dollar‑for‑dollar by funds raised in the SVA capital campaign; they also continued an operational contribution of $160,000 as part of the third year of prior support.

Board members asked staff to prepare a formal motion for the April 21 meeting that would specify appropriation language and the legal framework for ownership and leaseback. The board said it wants to ensure the town holds the funds only after sufficient commitments are in hand and asked for clear language showing how campaign funds will reduce the town contribution.

Ending: staff committed to return to the April 21 meeting with draft motion language and legal counsel advice on purchase/leaseback mechanics so the board can vote with final numbers on the record.