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Brentwood Select Board approves fire budget with deputy position cut after tense debate on staffing and safety
Summary
After extended debate over staffing levels and overtime, the Brentwood Select Board approved a version of the 2026 fire department budget that removes the deputy position to lower the overall increase. The chief warned the change keeps the department at near-minimum staffing and flagged operational and safety risks.
The Brentwood Select Board on Nov. 18 approved a revised fire department budget that removes a proposed deputy chief position and shifts resources toward increasing daily line staffing.
Fire Chief Roy presented a proposed 2026 operating budget of roughly $1.4 million — a 12% increase over the prior year — that included a $90,000 deputy position. The chief asked the board to reconsider dropping manpower from his request. "I'm asking you to reconsider not taking away manpower from my budget," he said, explaining the town’s shift to per‑diem staffing and the operational risk of two-person crews on scene.
Board members pressed for numbers and alternatives. The chief said removing the deputy (and reclassifying hiring plans) would reduce the budget increase to the low single digits and still allow the department to add an additional full‑time slot later. He explained why three on‑duty personnel is the minimum for many fire operations: "You have to have 3 people ... the bare minimum gets me an ambulance out the door," he told the board.
After discussion about overtime, night coverage and vehicle maintenance costs, a motion to adopt the 'second sheet' budget that removes the deputy position carried. Several board members voted in favor and at least one member dissented; the board moved forward with the lower‑cost version. The chief said the department will pursue a warrant article to phase in higher staffing if voters approve.
The vote followed a detailed review of supporting documents showing how per‑diem night coverage and retirement rate math affect the totals. The board also asked the chief to produce a multi‑year staffing plan showing incremental steps to achieve the department’s targeted staffing levels.
Next steps: the budget as amended moves forward to the board’s packet for finalization; the chief said he will present a staffing plan and a possible warrant article explaining the safety rationale for additional full‑time positions.
