Selectmen: Public safety is budget priority

SPENCER – Public safety must be the town’s priority when it comes to allocating resources, according to members of the Board of Selectmen.

During a January 22 meeting, members talked about a potential Proposition 2 ½ override and heard from Patrick George, president of Spencer Rescue and Emergency Squad.

The town is anticipating a new three-year contract with the private, non-profit corporation that has provided services to Spencer since 1959.

George said he heard troubling rumors that medics were discouraging people from being transported to hospitals, which is not the case.

He said calendar year 2024 was the busiest to date and that he submits monthly reports to Town Administrator Jeff Bridges highlighting the number of calls, transports and mutual aid conducted.

Selectmen confirmed this information is included in their meeting packets.

Whether there is an override or not, George emphasized the need to maintain services to benefit residents.

Selectman Gary Woodbury said the life-saving work of the Rescue Squad is invaluable and of “unbelievable,” importance to residents.

Selectman Ralph Hicks said that Spencer Rescue and paying for firefighters who are currently grant-funded are on the top of his priority list.

“I will fight to keep your request at the top of the pile,” he said. “This is do or die here and some will die” (without adequate ambulance and fire services).

George said the organization purchased its three ambulances at $170,000, $270,000 and $310,000, with costs rising each year or two in between that substantially.

Inflation has increased by 25% with the cost of everything from medical supplies, medication, stretchers and more escalating, George said.

He said $2.4 million had to be “written off,” last year on reimbursements because 80% of its transports are on Medicare or Medicaid.

He praised the staff, noting the highest earners are making $25 or $26 per hour. George added Spencer Rescue is overseen by a volunteer, unpaid board.

The current contract at $225,000 has stayed the same for six years while all costs have risen, George said.

“The cost of doing business is crazy,” he added.

The proposed contract totals would be $325,000, $350,000 and $375,000 (or $100,000 more for the next fiscal year).

Selectman Tony Pepe said that for the “critical services” the organization provides, the town is getting a “relative bargain.”

“Public safety is always my priority,” Pepe added.

Selectmen have been hearing from department heads over the last few months about their budget needs.

On Wednesday, Council on Aging Director April Caruso and Outreach Coordinator Nicole MacLeod spoke about the senior center, saying it is busy all day, every day and that attendance for every program has quadrupled over the past few years.

Caruso said she would either like MacLeod to become full-time or get an additional part-time person to help. She would also like to open the center on Fridays – noting that about 500 seniors out of 3,500 in town participate in activities like lunches, aerobics, dancing, drumming and more.

A mailing/flyer is going out to make residents aware of the offerings.

MacLeod noted selectmen should be aware that with programs on two floors, it can be a safety issue having enough coverage.

Bridges said the building also has needs such as getting a generator if it is to be a cooling/heating location and renovating the bathrooms, originally designed to accommodate elementary school children.

Work on the windows and additional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) are other needs, Bridges said.

Caruso spoke enthusiastically about having a former school as the senior center. She noted there is ample space, adding, the center is “the best in the state.”

Bridges discussed impacts on the budget such as having to pay a required contribution for the school department that is determined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Other factors include the amount paid toward pensions doubling, Proposition 2 ½ increases not keeping up with state mandates, rising health insurance costs, etc.

“This is where we are at. It is no fault of anyone,” Bridges said.

Also during the meeting, the board wished Sergeant Randy Berg of the Spencer Police Department well on his retirement and announced the promotion of Detective Christopher Inzerillo to the rank of sergeant, with a pinning ceremony held.

Prior to joining the Spencer department in 2011, Inzerillo served with the Barre Police Department and worked as a medic with Worcester EMS.

Police Chief Mike Befford also introduced Officer James Flagg as the newest patrolman.

The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is on January 27.