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Millis Fire Department requests capital funding for replacement multi-gas meters as state earmark stalls
Summary
Fire Chief Barrett asked the finance committee to approve a capital request to replace expiring handheld multi-gas meters after a state earmark award was delayed; committee discussion focused on funding source and timing.
The Millis Finance Committee heard Wednesday that the Fire Department is seeking capital funding to replace handheld multi-gas meters that the department says will reach end of life this winter.
Fire Chief Barrett told the committee the department received an award letter from a state earmark earlier in the year but has not received a contract or released funds. He said the department’s existing meters are about eight years old and that the replacement meters measure five gases — including carbon monoxide, methane and propane — and are expected to last about 10 years. “These sensors can be replaced where the others couldn't,” Barrett said, and the newer meters include a calibration kit that the chief said will reduce recurring calibration costs.
Committee Chair John Lohr asked for clarification that the request was for handheld meters rather than fixed meters on buildings; Barrett confirmed and said the meters are required for safely entering homes where detectors trigger in winter. Committee members pressed on the funding source if the state award is delayed or never arrives. Town Administrator Jody Kersey, joining by Zoom, said the committee will identify the funding source during the capital-funding vote and that, if needed, capital items are typically funded from free cash. Kersey also said she was still awaiting an official free-cash balance from the Department of Revenue.
No formal committee vote on the meter purchase was recorded at the meeting; members discussed submitting the request as a capital article and reverting the free-cash appropriation if the state funds arrive later. The committee noted the meters’ calibration and operating savings as rationale for the immediate replacement rather than waiting for the state contract.
Chief Barrett and the committee agreed to proceed with placing the capital request on the fall town meeting warrant pending confirmation of the requested appropriation and the town’s free-cash balance.
