Select Board report: ambulance purchased below budget; road, parks, and facility projects updated

Select Board representatives briefed the Wolfeboro Budget Committee on capital and warrant-article updates, reporting an ambulance purchase that came in well below what was budgeted and outlining near-term work on roads, police cruisers and recreation facilities.

Brian Deshaies told committee members the Fire Department purchased a demonstrator ambulance for approximately $474,000–$475,000 against a $625,000 appropriation; the Select Board waived the procurement policy because the chosen vehicle was lower-priced than other quotes, included more equipment, and was available without a long lead time. Delivery is expected around July, with the department anticipated to operate the vehicle by August and to assume full service by year end under its transition plan.

Deshaies also reported the Department of Public Works’ grant vehicle is on order, police cruisers have been ordered, and road-upgrade work will begin when weather permits with striping expected in the coming weeks. For facility maintenance, the Clark Complex has roughly $80,000 available in the related reserve account to fund additional repairs, and the Foss Field courts are scheduled for resurfacing. Committee members discussed accommodating both tennis and pickleball on the resurfaced courts by using a single surface color with different line colors, plus scheduling approaches to avoid shutting out either user group; members expressed parking concerns for highly used fields.

On special-event permits, committee members asked whether a change in how permits appear on meeting agendas would alter revenue; Select Board representatives said agenda presentation would be consolidated but did not describe a change to permit revenue processes.

The committee did not take formal action on these reports but recorded the updates for implementation and follow-up with town staff.