By Jodi Hausen,Staff Writer

RANGELEY – Selectmen voted to endorse Franklin Memorial Hospital’s ambulance contract contingent on a subsidy agreement of $94,254.

The hospital’s initial proposal had the town paying $116,600 annually. According to meeting notes provided by Town Manager Perry Ellsworth, selectmen agreed to sign the contract if the hospital agreed to a lower subsidy.

Ellsworth said he is looking into appraisals for Rangeley’s two ambulances, which are currently owned by the town. The town is negotiating either a sale or lease of the trucks to the hospital. A dollar amount for the agreement has not yet been discussed.

Also being considered is the rental of space for the service. Currently, Rangeley’s two trucks are housed in the town’s public safety building. According to Ellsworth’s notes, the space cost the town more than $20,000 annually, including utilities and $900 monthly rent. Selectmen felt that charging the hospital $1,000 monthly would be appropriate and asked Ellsworth to negotiate this with it.

Ellsworth said he spoke with Richard Batt, president of Franklin Memorial Hospital, Wednesday, regarding selectmen’s decision and request. Nothing was agreed upon, but Ellsworth said he was pleased with the interchange.

“We had a good conversation and we’re continuing negotiations,” he said. “I don’t see any hurdles.”

Batt had not returned telephone calls by Wednesday evening.