Fredonia trustees approve one firefighter hire amid wider staffing and budget debate

The Village of Fredonia Board of Trustees on Feb. 5 approved the appointment of a full‑time firefighter and authorized payment for his basic training at the New York State Academy of Fire Science, while trustees and residents warned that police and fire staffing shortfalls and a budget deficit complicate further hires.

The board voted 4–1 to appoint Bryce Fisher as a full‑time firefighter effective Feb. 6 at $22.34 per hour with an 18‑month probationary term. The board later approved sending Fisher to the state academy at Montour Falls for a course that begins Feb. 10 and runs through May 22, at a cost of $3,326.

The decision follows multiple public comments urging the board to fill vacancies in emergency services. Doug Esherk, a resident, told trustees that “municipal leaders are obligated to provide health and safety services” and urged hiring for essential positions. Tyler Dallas, identified as president of the Fredonia Professional Firefighters IAFF (transcript: “Global 29 31”), said the department’s vacancy has lasted “nearly 4 months” and warned that chronic understaffing raises fatigue and safety risks. “Safety comes at a cost,” Dallas said, arguing that short‑staffing increases overtime and the likelihood of errors.

Why it matters: Trustees and staff said they face a narrow budget picture that limits hiring even as public‑safety leaders press for personnel to meet NFPA and OSHA standards. Several trustees urged caution, saying the village has run down reserves and must weigh overtime costs against adding payroll.

Most important facts: The hire passed despite explicit budget objections from Trustee Twitchell, who said the village treasurer had repeatedly told the board there were insufficient funds. Twitchell cast the lone vote against the appointment and the training authorization. Other trustees—who announced “aye” votes during the roll call—supported the measures, citing overtime costs, operational risk, and the need to send recruits to the academy while slots are available.

Discussion and supporting details: Testimony and trustees’ remarks highlighted several factors driving the vote. Tyler Dallas and union speakers emphasized sustained high call volume—citing figures supplied during public comment that the fire department handled 2,191 calls in 2024, “the highest call volume in Chautauqua County only behind the city of Jamestown”—and argued that long vacancies increase overtime and health risks to firefighters. A public commenter, Doug Esherk, urged the board to reallocate non‑essential budget lines rather than leave essential public‑safety positions unfilled.

Trustees described a broader budget shortfall that they said developed over several years. Multiple trustees reported a special meeting would be scheduled to identify immediate expenditure cuts. Trustee remarks noted that contractual personnel costs make up a large portion of the village budget and that recent overspending has reduced the fund balance available for unplanned hires.

Formal actions and outcomes: The appointment resolution read in open session stated: “Be it resolved that Bryce Fisher, Sherman, New York is hereby appointed as full time firefighter… effective 02/06/2025 at a rate of $22.34 per hour and will serve a probationary term of 18 months in compliance with all applicable civil service rules and regulations.” The subsequent resolution approved sending Fisher to training at the New York State Academy of Fire Science at a listed cost of $3,326. Both measures passed 4–1; Trustee Twitchell voted nay on each, citing lack of funds.

Context and next steps: Trustees said hiring now would allow a recruit to complete academy training and rejoin staffing levels before an anticipated retirement in June that could create a second vacancy. Trustees also said they plan a near‑term special meeting with the treasurer to identify cuts and examine whether the village can sustain additional hires without further action (bonding, service sharing, or expenditure reductions).

Ending: The board’s vote resolves the immediate vacancy by adding one firefighter and funding his training, but trustees and public speakers left the meeting emphasizing that the village must address ongoing budget deficits and understaffing in both the fire and police departments to avoid recurring emergency‑service risk.