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Board hears update on Calix–Saint Johnsbury ambulance merger; cost pressures noted
Summary
A board member updated the selectboard on a possible merger of Calix ambulance services with Saint Johnsbury; funds would remain in a siloed utility account but per-capita costs are likely to rise if EMTs become unionized firefighters, the member said.
The selectboard received an update on a potential merger involving the Calix ambulance service and Saint Johnsbury that could change staffing and cost structures for emergency medical services.
Committee member (S6), who brought the item to the agenda, said the town's ambulance funds would remain in a separate utility account under the proposed arrangement: "the funds are in what they call a utility ... so that money ... would stay for ambulance services." S6 noted per-capita cost for the service is currently low (she cited about $40.45 per capita) and warned costs could increase if EMTs were paid at union firefighter rates after a merger. S6 also said combined staffing could improve recruitment and response coverage by widening the pool of available personnel.
Board members discussed options if they do not approve the change: S6 observed the town could opt for an alternate ambulance provider (Linden) if service terms were unfavorable. The item was informational; the transcript records no formal action or vote on the merger during this meeting.
