AUBURN – City councilors took a look at options for a Fire Department ambulance service at a workshop session Monday night.

They also considered how impact fees might be imposed for certain infrastructure development costs.

On both issues, more information will be presented at later meetings before any decisions are made.

The discussion of ambulance service included presentation of three models ranging from a total shift to an ambulance service within the Auburn Fire Department to a collaborative model with United Ambulance Service or a third option that would put everything out to bid.

Fire Chief Wayne Werts emphasized three goals that should be met under each of the options. He said more firefighters should be added to the department; transport should provide seamless patient care; and a transport system should provide revenue to support the goals.

Werts emphasized that top-notch service is being provided, but he outlined desirable elements, as well as drawbacks, in each proposed model.

He also told councilors that discussions have included Paul Gosselin, executive director of United Ambulance Service. That firm provides most patient transport in local emergencies.

Werts said there is agreement that with any of the options there is still enough work for United in patient transfer (hospital to home or other facility) rather than emergency transport.

The first model explained by Werts would have AFD run two ambulances – one from Central Station and one from Engine Two Station in New Auburn. The plan would require addition of two people on the four platoons plus an administrator (nine new personnel). Under this option, both AFD rescue vehicles would be taken out of service.

It would provide annual revenue of $878,676 and expenses of $791,511 for net revenue of $87,164 based on 2,500 calls a year.

Werts said the first model’s principal advantages include all personnel working for one entity, seamless patient care and one set of directives for 911 calls.

The collaborative option keeps United Ambulance Service in the picture with its ambulance at United’s Rodman Road facility. AFD would place an ambulance in New Auburn, and Engine Five on Center Street would have at least one paramedic and provide first response in its district.

The collaborative model has a revenue projection of $249,000 a year.

The model for bidding can provide the seamless patient care and some revenue, but Werts said it doesn’t add to the department’s personnel.

Councilors asked several questions about how expenses might increase yearly. Those answers will be brought to them at a later meeting.

The discussion of impact fees identified traffic issues and not residential development as the target.

Roland Miller, Auburn’s economic development director, said traffic impact fees are the most promising direction to consider. He noted that specific districts, such as the Auburn Mall area, can be designated.

Miller emphasized that Auburn has already put about $5 million into that area’s infrastructure. He said there’s a lot of good data about costs and projected growth there.

He also pointed out that Lewiston has a traffic impact fee.

The impact fee discussion will come back before the council later when it will include information about the role of sewers and public safety.

Councilors also heard an update on an amendment to the ordinance on outpatient addiction treatment clinics, sometimes known as methadone clinics. Maps reflecting buffers of 1,000 feet and 2,000 feet, as previously suggested by the Auburn Planning Board, were distributed,