The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation of the fire department’s budget, led by the fire chief, Lenny. This marked the first budget discussion for the season, featuring new committee members. The focus was primarily on non-personnel expenses, with a commitment to revisiting personnel costs later in the year. Lenny acknowledged the town’s financial limits, stating his awareness of the constraints while emphasizing the department’s need to avoid mid-year funding requests. He explained the unpredictability of budgeting for firefighter training and call wages, mentioning the potential for up to 180 calls annually, which could lead to significant expenses.

Training costs were a focal point, with Lenny outlining the department’s routine of weekly training sessions, projecting costs of approximately $24,000. While previous budgets had not surpassed the allocated $27,000 for training, the committee suggested maintaining this figure for the upcoming year. Lenny agreed, recognizing the rationale but expressing a desire to avoid operational limitations due to budget constraints.

Attention then turned to the maintenance budget, which had been nearly exhausted due to extensive repairs, including an $11,000 pump repair for a fire engine. A committee member proposed a slight increase to provide additional flexibility, acknowledging the unpredictability of maintenance needs. The discussion concluded with an agreement to keep training wages at $27,000, increase call wages to $21,000, and raise the maintenance budget to $18,000, aligning with Lenny’s operational plans while cautioning of potential unforeseen maintenance issues.

Beyond immediate budget concerns, the committee delved into capital planning, considering future equipment needs. Lenny presented a planning document outlining the department’s apparatus, including a newer rescue truck and an engine with a projected lifespan of 15 more years. However, the need to replace an older primary engine was emphasized, with replacement costs estimated between $700,000 and $850,000. Concerns were also raised about the water supply for firefighting, particularly due to new requirements to lower Lake Wyola, complicating water drafting efforts. Lenny suggested the potential installation of an additional standpipe in the area, highlighting the current inadequacy of water sources, especially at the elementary school.

As the discussion on capital planning expanded, the committee considered the process’s long-term nature. It was noted that the Capital Planning Committee typically focuses on immediate requirements, with an acknowledgment of the need to improve long-term planning processes. The committee discussed capital stabilization contributions, historically set at approximately $113,000 annually. Given inflation and upcoming needs, such as a new fire truck and highway department requirements, a reevaluation was suggested to ensure adequate funding.

Further discussion ensued around the possibility of earmarking funds specifically for the fire truck’s acquisition, potentially modeled after the library’s funding approach. The idea of dedicating a percentage of certified free cash to the capital fund was floated, although it remained uncertain if this would require a two-thirds town vote. The committee agreed on the necessity of submitting a proposal to the Capital Planning Committee to initiate formal discussions.

The meeting also addressed logistical elements, including the need to reschedule a highway department meeting due to weather concerns and budget considerations. The intent was to align this review with the elementary school’s budget review in December. A proposal to enhance financial transparency through a one-page summary of expense reports received support.