Easton Voters To Decide On Nearly $1.5M In Additional EMS Funding

EASTON, CT — Easton residents will decide whether to approve nearly $1.5 million in additional funding for the town's emergency medical services building project and staffing needs during a referendum later this month.

Town officials have scheduled a special town meeting for Monday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. at Samuel Staples Elementary School, 515 Morehouse Road, to discuss the proposed expenditures and several other municipal matters.

The largest request would transfer $1,416,751 from the town's undesignated fund balance to the EMS Capital Project Fund to cover anticipated environmental expenses and project completion costs.

Residents will also consider an $80,000 appropriation for additional EMS staffing.

In a public statement, Selectman Nick D'Addario said he supports completing the project but acknowledged concerns about its rising costs, delays and management.

"Our EMS personnel deserve a safe, modern facility, and our community deserves reliable emergency services," D'Addario wrote. "At the same time, I recognize the legitimate concerns about rising costs, delays, and project management."

The meeting will also address a proposed $256,000 appropriation to replace the chiller at Samuel Staples Elementary School, a proposed lease at 22 South Park Avenue, a zoning enforcement ordinance and acceptance of an open-space deed.

According to the town meeting notice, residents will discuss the proposals Monday before the meeting adjourns to a machine vote on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Voting will take place from noon to 8 p.m. at Samuel Staples Elementary School on agenda items 3 through 7.

The three proposed appropriations total $1,752,751, including the EMS project, additional EMS staffing and the school chiller replacement.