Claire Bessette
The Day
NORWICH, Conn. — American Ambulance Service Inc. is seeking a 10-year extension of the company’s current contract with the city of Norwich to give it a “solid foundation” to obtain financing to purchase its current building and conduct renovations.
American Ambulance Vice President Greg Allard told the City Council Public Safety Committee Wednesday that the company is in the process of purchasing the building at 1 American Way overlooking Norwich Harbor from the estate of company founder Ronald Aliano. He said the 10-year extension starting this year would help the company obtain financing for the purchase and renovations.
The current 10-year contract with the city to provide ambulance services runs through Nov. 3, 2018. The city is paying the company $64,415 through Nov. 3, when the payment increases to $66,798.
The Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to recommend to the full City Council that the contract be extended six years beyond the current expiration date, which would take it to Nov. 3, 2024. The same terms, including the 3.7 percent per year price escalator, would be extended as well.
Alderman and Public Safety Committee Chairman William Nash, a retired city police officer, said he has never heard any complaints about American Ambulance’s service. He has had interactions with the company during his years as a police officer and later when he coached women’s football.
“I can’t remember ever receiving any complaints about the service American Ambulance has provided,” Alderman and committee member Mark Bettencourt said.
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©2014 The Day (New London, Conn.)