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Commission hears budget corrections, station planning and AFG gear purchasing steps for Lancaster County fire services
Summary
Commissioners said corrected budget numbers will go to county council, discussed inclusion of McDonald Green station funding while timing for other stations is undecided, and received an update on AFG gear purchases and invoicing through Lancaster County.
Commissioners discussed recent budget corrections presented to county council, the inclusion of McDonald Green in the proposed budget, and equipment funding as costs rise.
A commission member said the McDonald Green station proposal "was included in the budget to be presented to the county council for the McDonald Green and moving forward," and that wording shown to county council indicated the second and third stations would be determined later. The speaker said corrected numbers were provided to the county council after staff review.
Commissioners noted the fiscal year change and budgeting timeline: the fiscal year moves on July 1, and one speaker said July is the window when departments "could pull the trigger" on hiring for new stations. One member said advocates are pushing to increase equipment funding because gear and turnout costs are rising.
The commission also discussed AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) purchases. A member reported that the department had received grant money and three sets of turnout gear. Commission members clarified invoicing: when gear is received, Lancaster County will send an invoice and the department should pay per county purchasing procedures.
Why this matters: equipment costs and station openings affect response capacity and local budgets. Commissioners said they would continue to monitor costs and, if class sizes or service expansions demand it, may ask county council for additional funding.
Ending: Commission members asked staff to continue to coordinate with county finance on invoices and to confirm timelines for station hiring and equipment put‑in‑service dates.
