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Kensington officials weigh thermal-imaging drone, ambulance-billing changes and other department updates
Summary
Police Chief Scott Cain proposed buying a thermal-imaging drone for $17,449 to aid search-and-rescue; board members and residents raised cost-sharing and privacy questions. Town staff also reported ambulance-billing changes and an ALS rate increase and ordered 64 tons of salt for winter roads.
Police Chief Scott Cain told the Kensington board that a thermal-imaging drone could help search-and-rescue and emergency response; the package, including training and accessories, was priced at $17,449. Chief Cain said FAA certification is required and that training would begin in February. Board members questioned the urgency of the purchase and several attendees suggested exploring cost-sharing with neighboring towns. Some members of the public raised privacy concerns about drone use. No motion was made; the item was deferred for further review before the warrant deadline.
Town staff also reported changes to ambulance billing rules that require municipalities to charge 3.25% of the Medicare rate and to enroll with private insurers, a shift that town officials said could reduce revenue. The regional ALS contract rate was reported to be increasing from $85 to $110 per call to sustain the paramedic program. In public-works business, the town ordered 64 tons of salt to replenish supplies.
Why it matters: The proposed equipment purchase and the billing changes have operational and budgetary implications for public safety services; both will be subject to further review by the board.
