Easton’s Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s long-awaited goal to renovate its nearly 100-year-old facility to address infrastructure deficiencies and inadequate operational space culminated Tuesday with a decisive victory at the polls.
More than 1,100 voters said “yes” on Feb. 11 to a referendum question to approve funding for a construction and renovation project to overhaul EMS headquarters. The final vote tally was 1,176 to 527.
“We want to thank the voters of Easton in believing in and understanding the need for this project alongside us,” said EMS Chief Jon Arnold. “We also want to thank the leadership of the town of Easton for putting their faith in us and giving us the opportunity to work on and create a quality building that will serve the town of Easton and those that pass through it for years to come.”
The referendum caps a years-long effort to provide a safe and efficient building for the town’s first responders. An EMS Building Committee, formed in 2023, determined the most cost-effective option was to renovate and expand the existing clapboard building. The town purchased an adjacent parcel of land on Sport Hill Road to accommodate additional sleeping quarters and living space for current and future emergency medical technicians.
First Selectman David Bindelglass, whose 2023 re-election campaign included building a new EMS headquarters, was amazed at the high turnout for the vote. More than 30% of registered voters came out on a cold February day in support of the project . Â
“People realized the importance of what we are doing,” said Bindelglass. “I’m incredibly gratified that it passed, that so many people showed interest by showing up to vote and the tremendous effort that was made in the planning of this. It was the right decision for the town, and now we will move forward. We’ll end up with a great final product.”
Mailers stating “paid for by Citizens for Responsible Government (CRG) June Logie Treasurer” were sent to Easton residents urging them to vote against the EMS project. Logie did not respond to a request for comment.
The building cost is $4,180,944 million, but the town secured $1,229,331 from several sources including a contribution of $821,792 from the EMS trustees, $188,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds, $199,539 from two state sources and $20,000 from the Board of Finance to contribute toward the project.
The referendum question asked voters to approve a special appropriation of $2,951,613 from the undesignated fund balance to the EMS Capital Project Fund for the construction and renovation of the existing EMS building. However the town will be reimbursed $1,118,155, so the actual amount of funding from taxpayers to complete the project will be $1,833,458.
“The overwhelming support for the EMS building project ensures that our volunteers will have the infrastructure needed to continue to care for our town,” said Selectman Nick D’Addario. “Voters chose to prioritize the health and safety of our community. This will have a positive impact on Easton for future generations. I want to thank everyone who worked so hard for years to volunteer the many hours needed to bring this project to a vote.”
Selectman Kristi Sogofsky — who supported the project during a Feb. 6, 2025 Board of Selectmen meeting after expressing reservations about how the building proposal process transpired — said she looks forward to seeing the project move forward.
“The town voted overwhelmingly to support our EMS,” she said. “I look forward to seeing the project move forward and hope the new building helps to strengthen their volunteer ranks.”
Victor Malindretos, president of the EVEMS Board of Trustees, thanked voters for supporting the project and the volunteers who gave their time and energy to see the project through.
“To our voters, thank you for exercising your right to vote and for placing your trust in us,” said Malindretos. “Your participation in the democratic process is the cornerstone of our community, and your voice has been heard loud and clear. We are honored to have your support and will continue to work diligently to provide you with the best possible emergency medical care.”
