KINGFIELD — Administrative Assistant Leanna Targett told selectmen Monday night that NorthStar ambulance service has reduced the town’s financial commitment for the 2017 fiscal year by about $12,000.

“That’s a third less than we paid last year,” Selectman John Dill said.

Targett also shared her recurring daily struggles with phone line and system problems. The office’s internet connection was not as secure as required so officials have temporarily blocked guest access.

Targett said she has been unsuccessful in communicating with Time Warner Cable about wireless access at Webster Hall and the Town Office, but she may need to buy new equipment that will keep it separate from the existing phone system.

The town originally had a Centrex contract with local provider TDS Telecom, she said, but a former administrative assistant shifted several years ago to Voice Over Internet Protocol, provided by another company. The switch seemed like a cost-saving option at the time, she said, but since then, residents complain that their phone calls aren’t answered, even though staff haven’t reported hearing the phones ring.

The VOIP service has not integrated with the current phone system, so Targett will speak with a TDS Telecom representative to discuss options.

“We need to jump ship,”  Selectman Wade Browne said.

In other matters, resident John Goldfrank asked selectmen if they could monitor the Kingfield Community Forum on Facebook and return it to its original friendly exchange of information. He said it started several years ago as a way for people to connect and share information.

“It was good for help finding firewood, snowplowing or finding out about community events,” he said.

In recent weeks, he said, postings have contained a level of animosity that is far from the original friendly exchanges. Some are using the forum to vent frustrations about municipal issues that should be discussed at selectmen meetings or other municipal venues. The individuals posting on the community forum are intent on creating a negative atmosphere, he said.

“These are intelligent people, and they know what they’re doing,” he said.

Selectman Heather Moody said the town has no supervision over the Facebook forum. She and Polly McMichael created the page several years ago for the enjoyment of the community. Since then, most of the posts have served that purpose, but she agreed individuals posting critical comments also are spreading misinformation.