POLAND — Selectmen on Tuesday approved two joint service agreements with the town of Mechanic Falls.

An agreement whereby Poland will be Mechanic Falls’ primary provider for ambulance protection services from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. passed on a 4-1 vote, with Selectman Janice Kimball opposed.

Kimball said she was not opposed to the idea of Poland providing the protection, but felt that Mechanic Falls should come up with some upfront money.

Poland fire and rescue Chief Mark Bosse said that, based on Mechanic Falls Town Manager John Hawley’s estimate that on average Poland might be called upon for about 47 calls, Poland stood to gain as much as $10,000 a year, after expenses. The money could be set aside to offset the purchase of a new ambulance, he said.

Selectman Steve Robinson underscored the fact that the agreement would not be costing Poland taxpayers, but rather would be a source of revenue.

Robinson also pointed out that the agreement called for a six-month trial period.

“It may not be perfect, but it is a first step and it’s the right thing to do,” Robinson said.

Selectman Walter Gallagher questioned whether Poland could provide the added coverage without compromising its ability to serve Poland residents.

Bosse noted that if a call came in while Poland’s two ambulances were in service, mutual aid from area towns would kick in.

“If a 911 call goes out, it will be answered,” Bosse said.

Bosse noted that in actuality, Poland is already providing the service to Mechanic Falls and that the agreement spells out the responsibilities.

The agreement was the product of series of meetings between Mechanic Falls Fire Department Deputy Chief Matt Fifield and Bosse.

Poland selectmen and Mechanic Falls Town Council members met recently to go over details.

The vote authorized Town Manager Rosemary Roy to enter into the agreement, which will be taken up by the Mechanic Falls council at their June meeting.

Selectmen also approved, by a 5-0 vote, a proposed public works joint service agreement with Mechanic Falls.

Public Works Director Tom Learned told selectmen that Mechanic Falls had four items that Poland doesn’t have and which, if borrowed, would be of benefit to the town. The items include equipment for painting crosswalks, a bucket truck, a tractor with a brush hog and a chipper.

Asked what Mechanic Falls might be interested in borrowing this year, Learned said that, according to Hawley, Mechanic Falls probably wouldn’t be doing any work this year that would require Poland equipment.

“Of course, you never know what will happen,” Learned said. “Everything could change with a storm causing major washouts.” 

Roy noted that the agreement makes official what has been going on for a long time, with the added feature that now the mutual aid will be documented.