At a time when the Twin Cities are working toward joint services, why is Auburn competing with Lewiston for a business so capably handled by private enterprise?

The Auburn Fire Department is reasoning that since they respond anyway, why not receive some compensation. I have always wondered why a rescue vehicle and a huge fire truck plus an ambulance are all needed. With the price of gas/diesel these days, that question seems even more appropriate.

• Will every injured person be carrying insurance that will pay for ambulance transport?

• Will the Auburn ambulance crew determine if it will be a profitable trip before they respond?

• If they have their eye on nursing home transport, who makes up the difference as Medicare looks to pay an ever-decreasing part of medical costs?

If there is enough manpower standing by, waiting to respond to emergency calls each day, a careful look at fire department staffing should be taken.

Auburn’s new council members have done an outstanding job of holding the line on taxes. Their job is not an easy one and I appreciate the hard decisions that they have to make.

When other cities are cutting staff, why is Auburn considering taking on a service which may mean more expense to the city in the future?

That does not seem to be a step toward intercity cooperation.

Jean F. Libbey, Auburn