South County EMS Weighs Fees for Mutual Aid
Other Committee · Meeting of January 13, 2026
DEERFIELD — South County EMS board eyes fees for towns it aids for free. Board member Matt Russo's analysis found the ambulance service absorbs roughly $212,000 a year responding to calls in Hatfield, Greenfield and Conway, none of which fund the district, while member towns Deerfield, Sunderland and Whately paid a combined $857,000 in assessments last year. "That's not the time to fight this out," Russo said of denying an emergency call over unpaid fees.
The chief reported 903 calls through the second quarter, two of 10 full-time staff out sick or injured, and a new ambulance due for delivery this week from Syracuse, New York. Vehicle repair costs fell from nearly $37,000 in fiscal 2025 to under $11,000 so far this year. The board plans to consult an actuary before deciding on a mutual aid fee.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 842 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of January 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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