October 12, 2016
New Hampshire

Antrim: Ambulance rates increased

By ABBY KESSLER | Monadnock Ledger-Transcript | Wednesday, October 12, 2016 | www.ledgertranscript.com

A motion to increase ambulance rates for two towns that Antrim provides services to was approved during a select board meeting Tuesday evening.

The town has provided ambulance services to Bennington and Stoddard for more than 10 years.

“I think that we are way undercharging for our services,” Mike Genest, a select board member said during the meeting.

The board proposed raising Bennington’s rates to $12,000 and Stoddard’s rates to $8,000, which will be put into effect in 2017.

Fire chief Marshall Gale said the rates were derived from the cost of personnel, but did not take into consideration things like vehicle wear and tear, which could lead to additional price hikes in the future.

During the meeting, board members denied a request made by North Branch residents regarding a property-value guarantee in the event that a nine turbine wind farm is approved by the state.

Residents asked the select board to demand that Antrim Wind Energy LLC, whose parent company is Walden Green Energy, write a property-value guarantee into its contract.

“It’s premature for us,” said Bob Edwards, a select board member. “We can’t change the agreement.”

The board approved a letter that will be sent out to residents, which maps out its decision.

It also approved an appointment to the zoning board of adjustment. William Bryke will now be eligible to serve on the board.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/10/12/antrim-ambulance-rates-increased/