At the Dec. 9 Board of Selectmen meeting the board voted to approve modest ambulance fee increases recommended by the fire chief to keep rates competitive. The chief described the adjustments as "a modest increase of just 5%" across BLS/ALS categories and a small mileage increase; the board approved the recommendation by voice vote.

The board also handled several routine licensing and administrative items. Members approved the annual extension of New Year’s Eve closing hours (until 2 a.m.) for on‑premises licenses and voted to delegate the chair authority to approve one‑day liquor permits, town common requests and related administrative approvals over the holiday period so staff can act while the board is out of session.

On a separate licensing matter the board reconsidered Gemma Kitchen and Bar Inc.’s license hours to ensure hours were specified for ABCC submission and approved the requested hours for Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–1 a.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–1 a.m. The board also approved a one‑day liquor permit for Hometown Arcade for Jan. 12; the transcript records one member voting no on that permit.

All votes were routine and handled on consent or by voice; the manager flagged that town hall is likely to be closed on the next meeting date for heating‑system work and that staff will publish notices.

Next steps: Manager will coordinate any administrative one‑day permits and prepare notices about building closures and the January staffing workshop.