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Board Approves Pay for New ‘Floater’ Firefighter; Agrees to Allow Gear Purchase Now with Funding Follow-Up
Summary
Aldermen approved $55,520 to move from the unassigned fund balance into the fire department salary line to fund a third floater firefighter position starting July 1 and authorized immediate purchase of turnout gear, with the mayor and treasurer to identify the final funding source.
The Rutland City Board of Aldermen on June 2 approved moving $55,520 from the unassigned fund balance to the fire department’s salary line to pay for a third floater firefighter the department said it had an applicant to hire.
Chief Lovett told the board he had identified an applicant and requested the funding after the position had been removed from the budget during prior hearings pending the ability to fill the post. When asked about the start date, Chief Lovett said the position would begin July 1.
Why it matters: The funding restores an authorized staff slot the department believes it can fill and keeps department staffing at a planned level. Aldermen approved the salary funding by voice vote after suspending the rules to take up the item that night.
Gear purchase: Chief Lovett also requested $3,300 to outfit the three floater firefighters with coats, helmets, boots, pants, hoods, belts and bailout equipment. Aldermen debated funding sources. Treasurer Markowski and several aldermen advised against using the unassigned fund balance for small equipment if avoidable because that reserve reduces property taxes at year-end.
Board decision on gear: The board agreed to allow the department to proceed with purchasing the gear now so firefighters are equipped as needed, while city staff (the mayor and treasurer) will determine the appropriate budget line or fund to charge and will bring the accounting back to the board if necessary. The mayor said city staff would “figure out how to pay for it” after the purchase.
Ending: The board approved the salary funding and authorized immediate gear purchase with the understanding staff will finalize funding allocation and report back.
