Stonington to send Ledge Light membership to two votes.

Stonington — Following a public hearing Monday night in which no one opposed the plan, both the Board of Selectmen and the borough Board of Warden and Burgesses agreed to send a proposal that calls for the town to join the Ledge Light Health District to votes in each municipality.

Town residents are scheduled to vote on the plan at a 7 p.m. April 11 town meeting at the high school, while the Board of Warden and Burgesses is slated to vote at its April 17 meeting. While the borough does not budget money for health services, borough residents, who pay town taxes, receive them much like they do with police protection and education.

Borough Warden Jeff Callahan said he met last week with Ledge Light and came away very impressed with the organization. He said Ledge Light will provide a greater depth and scope of services than what the town has now with its parttime department comprising a sanitarian and health director.

In addition, the town estimates it will cost $50,000 less to join Ledge Light than to continue with its own health department.

“So its a no-brainer,” Callahan said.

First Selectman Rob Simmons agreed, pointing out Ledge Light will not increase permit fees the first year. In addition, he said, the town will have three members on the Ledge Light board and Ledge Light employees will be stationed in an office in Town Hall.

“It’s a good deal for the town,” he said.

The town is looking to join Ledge Light because its sanitarian and health director are stepping down May 1. Simmons has said this puts the town “under the gun” to continue providing residents and businesses, including 150 food establishments, in town with inspections and other public health services.

In 2012, Ledge Light approached the town about joining the health district. At that time a large group of local business owners and organizations successfully opposed the idea, saying they were worried about an increase in fees. That opposition has not surfaced for the current plan.

While fees eventually will increase for restaurant and other permits, Simmons has said Ledge Light would provide more services for the town.