Towns Face Big Increase for Newport Ambulance Service

Croydon, Goshen, and Sunapee will see major increases for Newport’s ambulance service. The Select Board voted unanimously to continue service to the three towns but to increase the charges to the highest rate offered. Croydon’s faces a 216 percent with cost going from $13,748 to $43,454, Goshen’s sees a 177 percent increase with new costs being $39,911 up from $14,375. Sunapee’s increase is the largest facing a 369 percent increase, with costs going from $16,503 to $77,344. The costs are based on populations of the towns and number of ambulance calls average during a three-year period. The various rates were calculated with three price variations depending on staffing, on call, per diem or a full second shift. Town Manager Shane O’Keefe said the only community he has contacted was Sunapee and they said had a better offer from New London Hospital.

Selectman Todd Fatzell made the motion for the highest rate saying staffing was a separate issue.

The new charges will go in effect in January 1 of 2016, but change in staffing models cannot be done until Newport’s fiscal year that starts in July 1, 2016.