County to help purchase ambulance for Ashland
CARIBOU, Maine — The Aroostook County Commissioners agreed to help purchase an ambulance for the town of Ashland with an upfront payment, as this would eliminate the need to otherwise pay large amounts of accrued interest.
While the commissioners agreed to this during their Feb. 3 meeting, no payments will be made until July 1st when the new Public Works budget for Aroostook County is finished. Surrounding municipalities will also be assisting Ashland with the purchase. In total, the ambulance costs roughly $230,000.
“Commissioner Underwood had a good idea,” said County Administrator Doug Beaulieu, “instead paying our pro gratis share of financing over five or 10 years and paying all that interest, he suggested that we basically write a check for the full amount upfront, which is what we’re going to do.”
Beaulieu asked Public Works Director Paul Bernier to further elaborate on the benefits of paying upfront as opposed to financing over the course of several years and the positive impact for the town of Ashland.
“The short of it is that Ashland’s fleet is in dire need of some upgrades, they cover very rural areas, and often drive in the woods. Their ambulance is in pretty bad shape, so they need a new one. They are asking for financial assistance from all the municipalities that they serve, including the county of Aroostook.
“Ralph (Dwyer, Ashland’s town manager) is preparing for his town meeting and just wanted re-confirmation of our commitment to our portion. Other communities are in the same position as we are, and will pay upfront. It’s all going to depend on Ashland’s town meeting and meetings from surrounding communities,” Beaulieu said.
Beaulieu asked commissioners to hold off until after July 1st when Ashland’s budget is finalized. “He’s fine with that because he doesn’t think he’ll get the unit by then anyway, and he’ll have enough money for the down payment,” Beaulieu added.
Because Ashland’s town manager was following-up on Aroostook County’s commitment, no motion or written statements were needed in addition to the commissioners’ agreement to make an upfront payment.
