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Burlington Fire Department outlines FY26 budget needs, warns ARPA loss and supply costs will raise general fund ask
Summary
Fire Chief LaChance told the Board of Finance the department faces a $2.223 million rise in general fund obligation for FY26 because one-time ARPA funds ended and supply and contract costs rose; staffing levels remain steady but vacancies and contract talks add uncertainty.
The Burlington Fire Department presented its FY26 budget to the Board of Finance on May 14, saying the department’s operating needs have increased largely because one-time federal ARPA funds used in prior years will not recur.
Chief LaChance said the department responded to just under 11,000 calls last year, including 1,592 fire responses and about 7,100 emergency medical responses. “We did just shy of 11,000 calls for service last year,” he said during the presentation.
Why it matters: The department is operations- and personnel-intensive — roughly 93% of its budget is for staffing. Loss of one-time federal funds and rising medical and equipment costs will increase the city’s general fund obligation, which affects tax-supported spending citywide.
Key budget drivers and staffing LaChance told councilors that FY26 shows new money needs of $2,223,000, a shortfall driven by the end of $1.2 million…
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