TOPSHAM
Topsham may soon be providing Bowdoinham with EMS coverage.
Topsham selectmen tonight will consider a request from Bowdoinham to enter into negotiations to provide emergency medical services to the town. Bowdoinham currently uses North East Mobile Health Services, but has expressed concern about its response times since it moved bases out of Topsham and Dresden.
According to Topsham Town Manager Rich Roedner, negotiations between the towns would happen quickly if the select board decides to move forward.
“Sooner rather than later,” he said. “I know both towns are working on a budget now for the next fiscal year.”
There would be several factors to determine a potential cost to Bowdoinham for Topsham EMS services. Roedner said if the negotiations happen, his town would need to learn more about the volume and type of calls Bowdoinham receives.
One instance up for consideration would be the outcome for EMS calls when no one is transported by ambulance. For those calls, there is no charge or insurance payment, and it’s an unfunded cost the towns would have to discuss. At this point, Roedner said, no numbers have been discussed with the town of Bowdoinham, and the Topsham select board will simply be making a decision tonight whether or not to negotiate.
Also on tap for tonight is whether to accept a grant for the police department from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. The grant would reimburse the department for officers who participate in traffic safety measures. The grant would award $5,076.65 for seat belt enforcement, $17,075 for distracted driving enforcement, and $3,602.88 for seat belt enforcement.
Selectmen will meet at 7 p.m. at the Topsham Municipal Building.
chris@timesrecord.com
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