The Lisbon Reporter

WELCOME TO THE LISBON REPORTER. In an effort to keep our community informed of what is going on at local and Federal levels of government, we decided to create this on-line newspaper. It is our hope that this on-line newspaper will help you stay informed so that you can get involved and take action for the benefit of our ENTIRE community. Thank you for visiting and please check back frequently for information about what is happening in LISBON/LISBON FALLS, MAINE USA

Monday, February 5, 2018

LISBON EMERGENCY, INC

On the Town Council agenda for Tuesday night is the Lisbon Emergency – Level Service/Funding. The Town Council appointed Councilors Norm Albert and Mark Lunt to form a sub-committee to evaluate ALL options pertaining to Lisbon Emergency, Inc.

This sub-committee has met several times and the Town sent out a Request for Procurement (RFP). However, this was only one option reviewed. Other options were to supplement the failing Lisbon Emergency, Inc. with taxpayer’s dollars in the amounts below:

FY TOTAL CHARGES LISBON SHARE BOWDOIN SHARE

2018-2019 $162,152.78 $127,884.46 $34,267.92

2019-2020 $187,762.90 $149,172.84 $39,590.06

2020-2021 $251,354.03 $199,245.74 $52,108.29

Other options presented was has Lisbon Fire Department take over this responsibility and not doing anything.

However, the sub-committee had another suggestion to review and ignored it completely. The option was to ask the two hospital’s (St Mary and CMMC), who own United Ambulance, for assistance. The option was for the TOWN to DIRECTLY communicate with the hospitals and this was ignored. I do not understand how the Town Council can consider this agenda item without first having ALL options evaluated before a vote.

I also do not understand why this situation has NOT been brought to the attention of the people of Lisbon. A situation this serious should have the input of all citizens and NOT just at a Public Hearing. The Public Hearing will be the first time the people have been notified. There are no videos of the sub-committee meetings so the people have no clue what is going on. This is typical for the Town of Lisbon; asking the people to speak on issues without knowing all the fact first. This is the method used to reduce town involvement by the people and to ensure the town gets the results they want.

At no time has anyone mentioned how they plan to pay to supplement Lisbon Emergency, Inc.

Larry Fillmore