One notable issue at the meeting was the procurement of new ambulances for the South County EMS. The existing ambulance fleet was identified as outdated, with current vehicles ranging from 10 to 20 years old. This situation prompted the board to consider a rotating acquisition plan, proposing to replace ambulances every three years instead of the previous practice of waiting up to fifteen years. The urgency was underscored by the fact that a recently ordered ambulance would not be delivered until 2026, making the acquisition of an additional ambulance essential to maintain operational effectiveness.

The financial strategy proposed involved utilizing retained earnings to fund the new ambulances. This approach aims to avoid the need for special articles every few years, which could lead to sudden budget spikes. However, using retained earnings raised concerns about potential budgetary impacts on future fiscal years. The board discussed the importance of establishing a capital stabilization fund to ensure sustainable funding for future ambulance purchases without relying solely on current budgets.

A new procurement strategy was also considered, which involved purchasing a stock ambulance from a reputable manufacturer rather than a highly customized unit. This method could reduce lead times and ensure faster delivery, addressing the immediate need for a reliable ambulance. The potential for this strategy to become a long-term solution was discussed, although concerns were raised about its repeatability.

Additionally, the board addressed the need for a capital improvement plan that aligns with the proposed three-year acquisition cycle. This plan would promote a consistent quality and age of the fleet.

Beyond ambulance procurement, another major topic was the appointment of an assisting town administrator due to the current administrator’s anticipated medical leave. The board proposed hiring Margaret Nardawitz, who had previously acted as interim town administrator, to ensure continuity of administrative functions. To provide adequate coverage for the duration of the medical leave, it was suggested to increase the budget to $10,000.

As part of the meeting’s agenda, preparations for a special town meeting scheduled for November 14 were reviewed. This meeting aims to address various articles, including the authorization of funds for the new ambulance purchase and the management of prior year bills. The board discussed the procedural aspects of these articles and the necessity of securing a 9/10ths majority for approval at the special town meeting.

The timeline for certifying free cash was also a topic of discussion. The board was informed about the town accountant’s efforts to complete this process before the special town meeting. Concerns were raised about whether the stabilization fund or free cash would be used to fund the articles, with an acknowledgment of the need to replenish any stabilization funds used.

Finally, the meeting briefly touched on the scheduling of future town meetings and budget submissions. There was discussion about potentially adjusting the traditional April date for town meetings to better align with neighboring towns and improve budget preparations. The board considered the implications of such a change on election schedules and the need for adequate communication to avoid confusion among residents.