RINDGE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Ambulance coverage in Rindge will continue without interruption after town officials and the Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance service reached a new agreement to extend service through the end of the year.

The Rindge Fire Department announced the decision in a social media post, stating that the town and JRMA have settled on a contract that allows the nonprofit service to keep providing emergency medical response, provided both parties comply with the contract’s terms. The agreement follows weeks of uncertainty over the future of ambulance coverage in the community.

The Rindge Board of Selectmen reviewed the proposed JRMA contract during a meeting Wednesday night, along with two alternative service proposals that town administrators and selectboard members had sought as contingency options. Officials have said they explored other providers to ensure residents would not face a lapse in emergency medical services.

The dispute stemmed from a disagreement over payment and contract terms. Earlier this month, JRMA notified the town that it would stop responding to calls in Rindge later this winter if it did not receive payment for what it maintained were outstanding costs. Town officials countered that Rindge had not agreed to pay the full amount requested and that funds approved by voters for ambulance services were not designated exclusively for JRMA.

The situation prompted concern among residents, many of whom voiced frustration at Wednesday’s meeting about the lack of public information and urged town leaders to find a resolution that kept the longtime local service in place. JRMA has served Rindge for decades and is based in neighboring Jaffrey.

According to the fire department’s post, while both sides are satisfied that an agreement has been reached, the cost of providing ambulance services continues to rise sharply across New Hampshire and the Monadnock Region, putting increased pressure on municipalities and providers alike. Officials said additional details about the partnership and its longer-term outlook will be shared when appropriate.

Town leaders have emphasized that, throughout the negotiations, maintaining continuous ambulance coverage for Rindge residents remained a priority. The newly approved contract ensures that service will continue as discussions about future arrangements and regional EMS costs move forward.