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Fire and ambulance budget flags hose replacement; warrant article proposed from ambulance reserve
Summary
Fire department staff warned that large‑diameter supply hose will need replacement next year (estimated ~ $32,000) and proposed funding via a warrant article to draw on the fire & ambulance special revenue reserve; administrators reported that fund had roughly $413,270 as of April.
Town staff and the fire chief told the Board of Selectmen that next year the department will likely need to replace large‑diameter supply hose and possibly other equipment after the annual hose and ladder testing identified soon‑to‑fail lengths.
The town administrator said hose testing this year passed but a vendor warned the department it would not re‑certify some old hose next year; the fire chief estimated roughly 10 lengths at an approximate cost of $32,000. Staff and the chief proposed a warrant article to fund hose replacement and discussed using the fire & ambulance special revenue (revolving) fund to cover the expense. The administrator said that fund had approximately $413,270 as of April, and has historically been used to purchase and outfit ambulances and fire equipment.
No final appropriation was made in the meeting; selectmen indicated they would include a warrant article proposal for voters if the board approves it at a future session. The board also discussed protective equipment increases, hose reel/locking standards and the timing to place the warrant article on the warrant in coordination with the budget committee schedule.
