The most pressing topic of the meeting was the request by SCEMS to allocate $325,000 from its retained earnings for the purchase and outfitting of a new ambulance, alongside a $37,000 striker power loader system. This decision was influenced by delays in the delivery of an ambulance ordered in 2023 and the deteriorating state of the existing fleet, which was described as being past its end-of-life. The urgency of the request was underscored by the need to prevent potential breakdowns, with hopes that the new ambulance would be operational by January.

The meeting provided clarity on the financial mechanics behind the request. Retained earnings, referred to as “free cash,” consist of unspent funds collected by SCEMS over previous years. This financial strategy is designed to stabilize costs, allowing SCEMS to manage expenses without causing significant fluctuations in town assessments. However, some concern was expressed about the implications of using these funds, as it would reduce available earnings for future budgets, potentially increasing operational costs in the years ahead.

Further inquiries during the discussion focused on the life cycle of ambulances and the necessity of a capital improvement plan for budgeting. It was highlighted that the expected lifespan of an ambulance is around nine years, a relatively short period due to their heavy usage. SCEMS plans to implement a capital improvement strategy to better manage future budgeting.

Residents also inquired about the shared financial responsibility among the towns involved in SCEMS. It was confirmed that all three towns needed to approve the expenditure, with the other two towns having already given their consent. A resident suggested exploring structured debt plans for future purchases of long-life assets, a point acknowledged for future consideration.

The Selectboard also addressed other financial matters during the meeting. The purchase of a Striker Power Loaded System for $37,000, vital for the new ambulance’s functionality, was approved separately to ensure operational readiness. This decision was made to safeguard the impending arrival of the ambulance. The urgency of securing this system was emphasized, and the motion passed by a majority.

Attention then turned to amending the fiscal year 2026 budget by increasing the personnel services line by $10,000 to hire temporary support staff. This amendment was necessary due to the simultaneous medical absence of several town hall employees. The funds, sourced from free cash, would ensure service levels remain unaffected. The vote on this amendment concluded unanimously in favor.

In addition to these discussions, the Selectboard approved the transfer of $15 and $35 from free cash to settle prior year bills owed to Massachusetts Fire Technologies and the Massachusetts Municipal Association, respectively. The rationale was to expedite payments to vendors who had not been paid in the usual cycle, with both motions passing unanimously.

Another noteworthy topic was the transfer of $1,347.90 from free cash to Axon Enterprise Inc. to settle a prior year bill related to police services. This action, mirroring the reasoning for previous transfers, was aimed at clearing outstanding financial obligations promptly. The motion passed by majority.

Lastly, the Selectboard addressed a request to transfer $12,250 from free cash to pay Tai and Bond for the next phase of remediation work concerning PFAS detected near the old transfer station. This state-mandated testing and remediation stemmed from a positive PFAS test in a well associated with the site. Despite recent negative test results indicating improvement, concerns about potential future detections and ongoing costs were raised. The Board acknowledged the challenges local municipalities face in dealing with PFAS without adequate state or federal support and emphasized the need for local representatives to advocate for more assistance. The vote passed by majority.