Lewiston council reviews fire budget; new station and specialized equipment shift costs to fund balance

City budget staff and Fire Department leadership presented the proposed fire budget, reporting an overall modest increase. Director Roy said the "overall increase in fire is a 52,024." Fire administration personal-services increases reflect previously delayed hires being budgeted for a full year. The presentation noted four positions in fire administration and described an assistant fire chief and a deputy fire chief now serving distinct functions: the assistant focused on operations and the deputy on prevention and emergency management.

Firefighters division showed an increase in overtime and personal services to cover sick-time and workers' comp replacements; the department reported 71 employees and described that as "full staff." Capital requests — positive pressure ventilation fans and rescue tools — were recommended to be paid from fund balance, and Director Roy indicated vehicles for the assistant fire chief would also be paid from fund balance and are listed on the capital page.

Councillors asked about anticipated costs for the new station. Director Roy and the chief said staff had attempted to estimate utilities and other operating costs for a station that will be brought online in the next fiscal year; they flagged uncertainty because there is no historical usage for a full year in the new building. Councillor Nejean and others asked about space for 911 and whether existing stations could host consolidated operations; Chief St. Pierre said there is no spare space in the present station configuration and that the department has been tracking space needs in the municipal building program.