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Finance committee approves firefighting staffing transfers, equipment monies and accepts safety grant
Summary
The Holyoke Finance Committee approved transfers to cover firefighter overtime and personnel-line adjustments and accepted a FY2025 firefighter safety equipment grant (round 2); the committee also approved a separate transfer for vehicle repairs and fuel.
The Holyoke Finance Committee on May 12 approved a package of transfers to cover fire department staffing line adjustments, overtime contingencies and equipment needs, and accepted a federal-state grant to buy firefighter safety equipment.
Appropriations the committee approved included: a $27,000 transfer from the firefighter salary account to several overtime accounts (including $20,000 for general overtime, $1,000 for arson overtime and $6,000 for HAZMAT overtime) to ensure funds are available for remaining pay periods and possible investigative needs; a $10,946.34 transfer among fire personnel salary lines to rebalance deputy chief, lieutenant and other ranks after recent personnel changes; and a separate $45,000 transfer from firefighters to vehicle repairs and motor fuel lines (split $25,000 for repair and maintenance of vehicles and $20,000 for motor vehicle fuel).
Fire Chief (Chief Katalebitz) and department representatives told the committee that parts and labor for apparatus repairs have grown more expensive, giving examples of recent work that required factory parts to resolve emission-system faults. The chief said higher parts costs and the need to use OEM components have driven increased maintenance spending. For overtime, the chief said the department still had a healthy overtime balance but asked for a precautionary transfer in case of spikes or investigative needs.
The committee also voted to accept a fiscal year 2025 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program (round 2), referenced in the committee packet by grant number "11/1960" and described as a no-match award under Mass. General Laws chapter 44, section 53A. The grant will fund additional electric vehicle disconnect adapters (devices that allow responders to disable high-voltage systems during vehicle extrication) so each frontline apparatus can carry one, and will fund replacement self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) masks, helmets, boots and gloves.
Councilors questioned cost details and bookkeeping accuracy on bid and quote documents in other agenda items; the fire-related appropriations passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The committee also approved a separate small transfer of $10,946.34 to rebalance personnel salary lines after retirements and demotions, and voted to approve vehicle and fuel transfers after the chief explained parts and fuel cost trends.
