York budget panel hears from police, fire and ambulance chiefs

The York Budget Committee approved its August minutes as amended and heard budget updates from the police chief, both fire chiefs and the York Ambulance chief of operations. Much of the discussion focused on the future of ambulance service in town, radio and equipment costs, and a study of alternative EMS models due in November.

Key points

• The committee voted to approve the August minutes as amended, correcting the town and school liaison labels and adding detail about when York Ambulance sought financial help and what the funds covered.
• Police Chief Owen Davis said the department is fully staffed, the assigned cruiser program is improving response times, and a shared regional records management system is moving forward at lower cost.
• Village Fire Chief Dave Apgar and Beach Fire Chief Jeff Welch described rising costs for paramedic-level EMS, protective gear, radios and a generator, and said they support York Ambulance but want any change planned carefully.
• York Ambulance Chief of Operations Joshua Allen said volunteer-era free service is over, that he will bring a full budget request in December, and that an SBA loan appeal is pending with help from Senator Collins' office.
• Resident Bill Goodwin praised the committee's handling of a prior difficult meeting and suggested postponing a decision until after the select board acted.
• Chief Davis said the Flock cameras are being removed permanently after privacy concerns, and officials said a study of alternative ambulance service models is due in November.

Next steps

• York Ambulance will present a full budget packet to the committee during budget season, with a contract or cost scope targeted before January 1.
• The EMS study consultant's recommendations are expected in November for use in budget planning.
• Capital budget meetings are scheduled to begin October 13 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, noticed as public meetings.
• The chair will set a date for a joint meeting with the select board, possibly in October.
• The next committee meeting is scheduled for October 27 at 7 p.m.

Read the full transcript