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Uxbridge approves transfers to cover $171,000 in firefighter injured‑on‑duty wages
Summary
The Finance Committee and Select Board approved two transfers totaling about $112,007.98 to move firefighter IOD wages into an unclassified IOD account after staff said about $171,000 was charged to IOD wages this year; members urged injury‑prevention and better tracking.
The Finance Committee and the Select Board approved two related budget transfers to cover injured‑on‑duty (IOD) wages in the fire department.
The finance director explained the board is proposing $95,007.98 be moved from a salary account to the IOD account and an additional $17,000 from overtime into IOD. “There has been at least, 1, 1 firefighter on IOD the whole fiscal year, and we've spent about a $171,000, related to IOD wages,” the finance director said, describing multiple long‑running IOD cases during the year.
Committee members expressed concern about the frequency and duration of IOD cases, urging steps to reduce injuries through better PPE, training, procedures and expedited access to medical care. Staff noted contracting local medical providers is challenging and in some cases services may require reaching across state lines.
The two transfers were moved and seconded during the joint session with the Select Board and approved by roll call vote. Members asked staff to return with potential prevention strategies and to consider whether staffing or operational changes could reduce overtime and IOD exposure.
No disciplinary or individual health details were discussed publicly; staff cautioned that HIPAA and privacy rules limit what can be disclosed about specific employees' medical conditions.
