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South Royalton Rescue asks Sharon to approve 5.6% per-capita increase as staffing and ambulance needs persist
Summary
South Royalton Rescue told the Selectboard the town’s FY27 per-capita cost would rise from $70.43 to $74.35 (5.6%); the squad said it is covering all shifts but has hiring challenges, relies on overtime and is seeking an ambulance and grant outcomes.
Bob Stoddard, representing South Royalton Rescue, told the Sharon Selectboard on Dec. 1 that the squad’s proposed FY27 per-capita charge is $74.35, up from $70.43 in FY26 — a 5.6% increase. Stoddard said those figures are preliminary and will be considered by the Fire District Prudential Committee.
Stoddard described operational improvements: SRRS is now covering territory for all shifts, an advance from prior years, but he said the squad relies on staff working overtime, is actively recruiting additional crew members, has increased insurance reimbursement rates and is seeking to acquire an ambulance. He identified outstanding uncertainties that affect costs, including the location of facilities, health insurance costs, the status of a USDA grant and potential changes in self-pay patient volumes.
Selectboard members asked about hiring success; Stoddard said hiring full-time permanent employees has been difficult. The presentation informed the board’s FY27 appropriations deliberations but did not result in a formal vote at this meeting.
