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East Bethel fire budget rises 7% as city plans to recruit paid-on-call firefighters and replace turnout gear
Summary
The fire department presented a proposed 2026 budget increase of about 7% ($73,000), citing wage increases, recruitment of paid-on-call personnel, and phased replacement of turnout gear as primary drivers.
The East Bethel Fire Department told the council July 14 that its proposed 2026 budget would increase about 7% (roughly $73,000), driven primarily by wages, recruitment of paid-on-call personnel and planned equipment replacement, including turnout gear.
Jeff Siloka, identified in the meeting as the fire chief, said the department currently has 28 firefighters and has about seven candidates in the recruitment/background pipeline; the 2026 budget was built assuming a paid-on-call roster of up to 40 personnel. "We…
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