LISBON — The Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to award the emergency medical services contract to Lisbon Emergency, following weeks of discussion and two tabled votes.

After 45 years of serving Lisbon, many assumed it was a given that the town would once again award its contract to Lisbon Emergency. However, Lewiston-based United Ambulance submitted a bid $60,000 less than Lisbon Emergency’s, leading in part to a unanimous recommendation by the public safety committee to award the contract to United Ambulance.

The fire chief and police chief later reversed their recommendations and publicly urged the council to award the contract to Lisbon Emergency in light of additional information.

The Town Council voted Tuesday to award its emergency medical service contract to Lisbon Emergency following weeks of discussion. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal file photo

Lisbon Emergency’s bid is $334,626, the same request as last year. It will staff one ambulance 24/7, up to a paramedic and an advanced EMT, and a second backup ambulance for 12 hours each day at 42 Village St.

Lisbon Emergency Deputy Chief Amy McDonnell said she was relieved by the decision and is looking forward to continue providing service to Lisbon and Bowdoin.

In other business, the Town Council approved an order to compel Hansel Garcia to demolish a fire-damaged building on his property at 6 Union St. within 45 days.

A fire Feb. 4 left the duplex uninhabitable and two families without a home. Town councilors said the building is a danger to the public and must be demolished as soon as possible.

Code Enforcement Officer Mark Stambach said he viewed the building exterior recently and noted that its condition continues to worsen. Half of the roof has caved, he said.

Firefighters work at a three-alarm fire Feb. 5 at 6 Union St. in Lisbon. The council has ordered the property owner to demolish the building within 45 days. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

A representative for Garcia told the council that Garcia is in the process of demolishing the building but first needs to determine whether asbestos is present and where the material can be landfilled. The representative also told the council that Garcia is in conversation with a potential buyer, William Chapman of Virginia.

Chapman’s executive assistant told the council that she does not know his specific plans for the property, but said he would bring something beneficial to downtown Lisbon Falls.

After 45 days, the council can either vote to extend the deadline or direct the town to demolish the building and bill the property owner.