Selectboard signs Rescue Inc. contract
PUTNEY — PUTNEY - The Selectboard unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2019 contract with Rescue Inc. at their May 23 regular meeting.
Town Manager Karen Astley noted the Brattleboro-based medical emergency service requested a 3 percent increase over last year's assessment, bringing the FY19 total to $62,983.62 or $23.31 per resident. The town will pay the assessment in 12 installments.
Selectboard member Laura Chapman asked how often Rescue Inc. comes to town. She said her query was “out of curiosity” only.
“At least several times per week,” said Board member Steve Hed.
“It's variable,” said Board Chair Josh Laughlin, who noted that with all emergency services, “they may not come in a week, and then come in 12 times in the next week.”
Laughlin noted the Selectboard analyzed other emergency response options a few years ago. After reviewing different contracts, “it was very clear that the people were interested in staying with Rescue Inc.,” he said.
“We are, and have always been, very happy with the service with Rescue Inc.,” Laughlin said.
Selectboard approves erosion-study contract
PUTNEY - At the May 23 regular Selectboard meeting, the Board unanimously voted to approve a contract with the Windham Regional Commission to begin a study of the town's erosion areas.
Last year, through the Commission, the town was awarded an $8,000 Better Roads grant from the Agency of Transportation. This money will fund the Commission's work categorizing and prioritizing erosion control, and the study includes a culvert assessment.
Town Manager Karen Astley noted the funding is already in place, and requires a match of about $2,000 from the town, but an in-kind contribution utilizing the Highway Department's labor is allowed.
According to Astley, Highway Superintendent Brian Harlow supports the work.
“This inventory will help [...] when we add new culverts,” Astley said.