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Fire chief warns of 324% increase from Hudson; board approves negotiation to consider Londonderry proposal
Summary
After the Hudson ambulance provider proposed a draft that would raise costs sharply, the fire chief recommended switching to a Londonderry flat‑fee proposal; the board voted 5–0 to proceed with negotiations and allow Londonderry to present to its council.
The town’s fire chief told the selectmen July 27 that the town’s long‑term ambulance partner (Hudson) submitted a draft 2027 proposal that would represent an approximate 324% increase over the current per‑call arrangement. The chief said the town’s 2026 ambulance budget of $121,260 — based on a per‑call model — cannot sustain that jump and recommended soliciting a flat annual fee arrangement instead.
“Hudson’s 2027 proposal reflects a 324% increase over our current contract,” the chief said, noting also a contractual requirement that Litchfield reimburse 100% of uncollected patient debt. The town received a competing proposal from Londonderry that the chief characterized as far less costly: a flat annual fee that he said equates to roughly a 64% increase over current rates and would eliminate per‑call volatility and the town’s exposure to uncollected patient debt.
After questions and discussion, the board voted to authorize staff to continue negotiations and to allow Londonderry to present its proposal to Londonderry’s council (Aug. 3) as part of the town’s evaluation. A motion to approve the ambulance and dispatch contracts as reviewed and to proceed with negotiations carried 5–0.
