Dublin is exploring its options to provide ambulance service to town residents.

EMS technicians from Peterborough currently respond to emergencies, and in October, Dublin Deputy Chief of EMS Karen Vanderbilt discussed with the Select Board the possibility of services being provided by Cheshire County Ambulance next year.

On Monday, Peterborough Fire Chief Ed Walker and Deputy Chief EMS John Fahey discussed the services currently provided and possible future cost changes.

“Ambulance services can be seen in two ways – as a health care matter, or a public safety matter,” said Walker. 

Walker and Fahey noted Peterborough’s ability for timely responses and transport to Monadnock Community Hospital. Peterborough currently provides ambulance staff in its location as two ambulances at all times.

In 2023, Peterborough Fire and Rescue responded to 117 calls in Dublin, according to Walker. Dublin Town Administrator Kate Fuller stated Tuesday that the cost to the town for those calls was $120,843.

“I don’t foresee a big change in costs beyond the rate of inflation in the future,” Walker said. One possible impact Walker mentioned would be if a part-time employee transitioned to full-time.

“The benefits package attached to that would be in the $60,000 to 80,000 range,” he said. 

At the discussion in October, Vanderbilt said that Cheshire Ambulance’s initial proposal involved a $39-per-head charge for services based on population. Dublin recorded 1,580 residents in 2023. 

“We’re in Cheshire County,” said Board Chair Chris Raymond at that meeting. “We deserve their services.”

Walker said on Tuesday that the board looking at another option is quite logical.

“They’re doing their due diligence for the town, he said.

In other news, the board approved hiring a architect to look at reconfiguring the office at the town transfer station.