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Residents and board question ambulance survey and ask for local representation
Summary
Residents raised concerns about a student-led survey of the Northern Berkshire ambulance service, questioned whether the town might be assessed and asked whether Stamford has representation on the ambulance board; the Selectboard agreed to request clarification from ambulance leadership and to seek local representation if needed.
During public comment, residents questioned a student research questionnaire about regional ambulance coverage and funding. A resident described the survey as potentially fishing for municipal contributions: "This survey opens the doors to... saying, oh, we couldn't get extra money," and urged caution about agreeing to new town charges.
Board members noted the ambulance service covers 13 towns and discussed how the service is funded (insurance reimbursements, grants and donations). The Selectboard agreed to follow up: staff were asked to contact North Adams ambulance leadership to confirm whether Stamford currently has a representative on the ambulance board and to ask how towns would be assessed if needed.
A board member recommended encouraging donations and exploring representation on the ambulance board so Stamford’s interests are heard. "I think we should look into it and... get someone to do that," a committee member said during the exchange. The board did not adopt any funding commitments at the meeting; members directed staff to report back.
