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Selectboard to review ambulance contract after $10,000 price increase
Summary
Town staff told the Selectboard the cost for ambulance service rose by $10,000; staff will review the contract and the board said it may terminate the service depending on options and budget impacts.
Clayton Macdonald, one of Stratford's selectmen, called the meeting to order at 3:33 p.m., and staff reported a rise in ambulance costs that could affect town services.
Suzanne Goulet reported to the Selectboard that the town's ambulance cost increased by $10,000. She said she will review the existing contract and present findings to the board; depending on the review and the board's direction, the town "may need to term that service," and it is currently unknown whether alternative providers or options exist.
The increase was reported as part of the town's routine administrative update and was also noted alongside other operating-budget changes to the warrant list. No vote was taken at the Jan. 27 meeting; board members asked staff to bring contract details and options back for future discussion.
Why this matters: an unplanned $10,000 increase could affect the town operating budget and service continuity for emergency medical transport. Town officials flagged the issue for follow-up and said they would assess whether the cost increase can be absorbed, renegotiated, or if replacement options are available.
The Selectboard did not set a deadline for the contract review during the meeting. The board's next scheduled public budget hearing is Feb. 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.; any fiscal implications may be addressed as part of that process.
