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Fire department secures donor funding for UTV, requests village cover remaining costs and funds for policy manual overhaul
Summary
The East Aurora Fire Department reported a major donation toward an off-road utility vehicle (UTV) outfitted for patient transport and requested the village cover about $12,400 to complete the purchase; the chief also asked the board to fund a $4,800 policy/manual update or use counsel under retainer to help complete it.
The village’s volunteer fire department told trustees it has received a major private donation to purchase an off-road utility vehicle (UTV) outfitted for patient transport and off-road access, but it asked the village to cover the remaining roughly $12,400 to finish the purchase and outfitting.
Chief Aaron (East Aurora Fire Department) told the board the unit will carry six people in the cab and a patient in the rear with EMT care; donor funds already paid about $48,000–$49,000 of a roughly $61,000 project and included $6,700 for tracks that increase winter mobility. The department expects the vehicle to be in service about May 1 if the remaining funding is secured.
Separately, the chief requested the village fund a comprehensive overhaul of the department’s policies and procedures (a manual) to bring them up to current operational and legal standards. The department requested $4,800 to pay for policy/manual development; counsel said he has done similar work for other departments and could assist under his retainer.
Why it matters: The UTV is meant to improve response in deep snow and at special events where vehicle access is limited; updated policies are intended to reduce operational liability and give clear procedures for volunteers. The board’s finance staff said contingency funds were not immediately available and that the village will look for a budget source or use savings if necessary.
Board reaction and next steps: Trustees expressed support for the acquisition in principle and asked Maureen (finance) to search the budget for the $12,400; they also encouraged the chief to meet with counsel post-meeting to scope the policy manual work and consider using the village attorney’s retainer if feasible. The board did not appropriate funds this meeting but signaled willingness to find the money if possible.
Ending: The department will continue fundraising, counsel and department leadership will meet to scope the policy/manual work, and staff will report back with identified budget sources at a subsequent meeting.
