The $33,600 would be applied toward the $96,000 cost of a new ambulance.
By Duane Hayes
Special to the Sun Journal

WEST PARIS – The Tri-Town Ambulance and Rescue Service chief Thursday facilitated a public hearing regarding acceptance of a grant for the service from the United States Department of Agriculture.

According to Chief Norman St. Pierre the grant is for $33,600 to be used for the purchase of a 2003 ambulance unit to replace the service’s oldest unit which no longer meets federal and state safety guidelines.

“The old unit is setting in my yard right now,” said St. Pierre, “as it can’t be used for transport. We have put about $2,000 into it to see if we can get it back on the road, but after having it inspected at Bessey Motors it has been condemned.”

He said the new unit will cost around $96,000, so the USDA grant will be a great start toward the money needed to make the purchase.

Asked how the service plans to get the remainder of the $96,000, St. Pierre said that additional grants are being pursued and studies are underway regarding loans from local banks.

“We need to purchase the new unit as soon as possible as we are down to one truck at this time. We can use the search and rescue van to transport if we have to, but it is not the best vehicle for that purpose.”

Including two selectmen and the town clerk, eight residents attended the meeting.

Holding the hearing was a formality required by the U.S.D.A. grant program to allow the public to ask questions and comment.

Tri-Town Ambulance and Rescue Service serves West Paris, Greenwood and Woodstock with extended coverage as needed in Milton Plantation and other area towns under mutual aid regulations.

St. Pierre also asked if the service can be added to the town’s cable television contract, which the town has with Adelphia Communications.

He told the selectmen that cable service is costing around $80 per month, “and I can think of spending money on other things that will benefit the town.”

The selectmen agreed to look into the possibility of adding the service to the contract, but were not sure it could be done, as it is not a municipal department.

Finally the selectmen are waiting for cost figures regarding the possible purchase and installation of the TRIO accounting software program which, if the decision is made to go with TRIO, will replace the Quick Books program now being used.

Town Clerk Cheryl Shattenberg said the program is used by other towns and all have told her they are very pleased with it.

“It would be used for accounting, tax collection and billing, cash receipts and pay role. Basically, all our office work,” she said.

Selectmen have indicated they are ready to support the purchase of the program, but are waiting for cost figures before they make a final decision.

Also the board is seeking bids for cleaning at the town office. The work will include washing windows, woodwork, walls, heaters and other office features. Bids are due in by 5 p.m. on June 26.

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