The selectmen seem to have stirred up a hornet’s nest with their recent ruling in favor of billing for ambulance services. Assistant Ambulance Director Steven Beckman, in this week’s My Two Cents article, depicts a squad that feels betrayed by the decision.

In announcing the ruling last week, selectmen cited the town’s need for revenue as a major factor in their decision-making. Town Administrator Tim Bragan told the board the town could take in $60,000 per year through billing for services, “minus clerical costs.”

We wonder what those clerical costs might be. “Billing” suggests a whole infrastructure and process that is not currently present, and the potential for burdening squad members with red tape they don’t have to deal with now.

The selectmen should be commended for looking for creative ways to bridge the gap between town income and town expenses. But regarding this decision, we wonder—will it be worth it when all is said and done, or will the unintended consequences amount to more than the net savings ever could.