OXFORD - After fighting for a new ambulance for the town over the past three years, the Oxford Ambulance Association has brought its proposal back to town officials for funding during the upcoming budget cycle.
The need for a new ambulance has not gone away, says Oxford Ambulance Association Director Jerry Schwab. He met with the Board of Selectmen last month and told them that there has been an increase in call volume, leading him to ask for $198,000 for a third ambulance for the association.
During last year's budget cycle, Schwab was adament with town officials that the proposal is a need, rather than a want.
“I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t bring this to the attention of the town,” he told officials during last year's budget process. He said additional strains will be put on the ambulance association soon because 146 additional housing units have been approved for Phase Four of the Village at Oxford Greens.
“We can’t cover all the calls we have now, and the growth at Oxford Greens will put an additional tax on us… This ambulance has continuously been put off,” he said.
Town officials last year ultimately cut the ambulance, saying they would take a closer look at it this year.
Selectmen did not take any action during last month's meeting and decided to schedule a special meeting to discuss new vehicle requests by town departments. So far, that meeting had not been scheduled, according to information on the town's website.
Click here to read more about the ambulance request.
