Wolfeboro Budget Committee flags $2.4M July bond payment, ambulance staffing and billing revenue

The Wolfeboro Budget Committee heard an interim appropriations report that showed the town about 43% through the fiscal year with roughly 33% of expenditures recorded, but members were warned a large bond payment could alter that picture.

"General fund appears to be in pretty decent shape, or approximately 43% through the budget year. And we're running 33% of expenses through that time frame," the interim town manager said, adding that a $2,400,000 bond payment is scheduled for July and will materially affect cash flow.

Committee members focused on public-safety staffing and the ambulance contract. The interim manager and members described a mixed coverage arrangement in which Stewart's handles many transports while the town covers emergency and intermediate calls. The town may opt out of the Stewart's contract with 30 days' notice if it decides to staff more positions in-house.

Members discussed revenue from third-party ambulance billing. One committee member said the fire department's current billing performance suggests the revenue the group originally estimated ‘‘between 2 and $300,000 a year is is a go.’’ The committee also heard that collection-service fees discussed earlier were approximately 6%, and some estimates had placed the potential fee as high as 10%.

The interim manager cautioned the committee to remain conservative in spending until the July bond payment and further revenue receipts are clear. The committee asked staff to return with updated appropriations reports after the large bond payment and once additional revenue and billing results are confirmed.

The committee did not approve any formal budget changes at the meeting; members discussed potential corrective actions for overtime and staffing and the committee’s options if revenue projections shift.