Putney Selectboard approves three-year Rescue, Inc. contract with modest increases

The Putney Selectboard on Dec. 18 approved a three-year service agreement with Rescue, Inc., authorizing Town Manager Karen Astley to sign the contract and implementing a 3% total increase over three years (1% per year).

Drew Hazelton, director of Rescue, Inc., told the board the contract reflects a modest annual adjustment and that the organization's mobile health program continues to expand, which he said has a significant impact on community health and local emergency response capacity. Peg Alden moved to approve the three-year contract and authorize Town Manager Karen Astley to sign; Nate Snell seconded the motion and the board voted to approve it.

The board also discussed public-safety coverage from the Windham County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Mark Anderson described a separate one-year agreement providing 2,000 hours of coverage annually and said staffing increases are intended to ensure balanced patrol coverage between Westminster and Putney; he noted the sheriff's office and the town manager will review hours to confirm contracted coverage is met. No formal vote on the sheriff's contract is recorded in the minutes.

Lane Simon of Simon Operation Services briefed the board on wastewater and sewer service contracts, saying recent cost increases stem from rising insurance premiums and higher wages. The discussion was framed as part of Town Meeting preparation and budget review rather than as a specific contract vote.

The board tabled audit-results discussion to the Jan. 8, 2025 meeting and proceeded with additional budget and Town Meeting preparations.