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Ballston Spa trustees approve 2025 fire contract with Town of Milton after heated remarks
Summary
The Village of Ballston Spa Board of Trustees approved a 2025 fire protection contract with the Town of Milton. The contract passed after an extended statement from the mayor criticizing Milton’s presentation of the village’s contributions and the proposed rate.
The Village of Ballston Spa Board of Trustees voted to approve the 2025 fire protection contract with the Town of Milton on a motion by Trustee Fundanza, seconded by Trustee Price Bush.
The vote came after lengthy remarks by the mayor (name not specified) criticizing the Town of Milton’s characterization of the village’s financial contribution to fire services. The mayor said the town’s presentation had asserted the village provided "$0" in support, calling that "embarrassing and hurtful," and stressed the village provides building improvements and administrative support that are not reflected in a single line item. "While we can't quantify it to a penny because it's just not possible, we know it's not 0," the mayor said.
Why it matters: The contract sets terms for intermunicipal fire protection that affect budgeting for both entities, volunteer morale and future requests for capital items such as ladder and pumper trucks. Trustee Fundanza framed the motion as responding to a request from local fire chiefs; trustees approved the contract and authorized the mayor or deputy mayor to execute it.
Details of the discussion: The mayor said village officials sought a higher per‑thousand rate than the one presented by Milton, saying the village had requested $1.16 per thousand rather than the roughly $0.967 per thousand cited by the town. The mayor also described attempts to negotiate a larger starting amount ($35,000) and a potential multi‑year structure with an additional $25,000 contribution, and said the village has invested in building improvements averaging over $80,000 per year across three years.
Trustee Fundanza moved the contract; Trustee Price Bush seconded. After discussion, the board voted in favor. The motion passed by voice vote.
What the board decided next: The board approved the 2025 contract and directed the mayor or deputy mayor to sign the agreement. The mayor said trustees will pursue further discussions with the Town of Milton to resolve disagreements about the underlying facts and the proper rate.
The action does not specify a future referendum or binding changes beyond the 2025 contract; follow-up negotiation was described as likely.
