LISBON
The town of Lisbon will have to make a decision soon regarding the town’s ambulance provider.
Lisbon was faced with the decision when the town’s long time provider, Lisbon Emergency, asked for a $127,885 stipend in the 2018- 19 fiscal year. The provider has been reliant on grant programs and has not previously received funding from the towns it serves. Lisbon Emergency also provides ambulance service for Bowdoin, and asked the town for $30,000.
Lisbon formed a subcommittee of stakeholders to review options for the town. According to Town Manager Diane Barnes, Lisbon Emergency may still be the best option for the town.
“United out of Lewiston provided an option, but that would really increase the response time to service our community,” said Barnes.
Barnes is in the process of scheduling another subcommittee meeting, and the ambulance issue will be discussed at the next town council meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Barnes said a decision is likely to come in January, and the town does not currently have any other offers. The town’s budget for the next fiscal year is presented in June with the school budget. A plan to pay for Lisbon Emergency’s services would be more clear at that time according to Barnes.
Bowdoin Fire Chief Tom Garrepy said the town runs on a calendar budget, and would need to have a budget plan soon.
“I hope to have a maximum dollar amount to present at the next town council meeting,” said Garrepy in regard to the cost of Lisbon Emergency.
The next Bowdoin Town Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 8.
Lisbon Emergency is a non-profit that was founded in 1977 by a group of local citizens. Along with the towns of Lisbon and Bowdoin, Lisbon Emergency was recently recognized and upgraded to the Maine Heart Safe Community gold level. The upgrade recognizes training in the community and the ability to respond to cardiovascular issues.
chris@timesrecord.com
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