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Hebron approves multiple firefighter grants, considers tax‑abatement changes and emergency $75,000 ambulance purchase
Summary
Council authorized applications for three grants (stair chairs, two LUCAS devices, and a Connecticut Water grant), discussed a proposal to modernize the volunteer firefighter tax‑abatement (phased to $2,000), and approved a $75,000 supplemental appropriation to replace a failing ambulance lift and stretcher to restore service.
Hebron — The Town Council on Jan. 8 approved applications for multiple fire department grants, advanced a proposal to modernize volunteer firefighter tax abatements, and voted to spend $75,000 from the unassigned fund balance to buy an ambulance power‑lift and powered stretcher after one ambulance was taken out of front‑line service.
Council authorized the town manager to apply for: a Firefighters Charitable Foundation grant to replace two ambulance stair chairs (estimated $5,600 each, roughly $7,000 with extended warranty); a Gary Sinise Foundation First Responder Outreach grant to replace two LUCAS mechanical CPR devices (about $16,000 each); and a Connecticut Water 2026 Firefighter Support grant for $2,000 to purchase water‑delivery appliances. Fire leadership said these grants typically require no local match and the department has applied successfully for similar grants in prior years.
In a separate, substantial discussion, a fire department representative outlined proposed revisions to the town’s volunteer firefighter tax‑abatement ordinance (current local ordinance dates to 2001). The proposal would modernize statutory references, raise the minimum abatement to $1,000 immediately, then phase to $1,500 and ultimately $2,000; add surviving‑spouse provisions; and tie eligibility to training and minimum responses. The presenter characterized the package as both a recruitment and retention tool and estimated the first‑year cost at roughly $7,000 under the initial step.
The council also approved a supplemental appropriation of $75,000 from the unassigned fund balance for an emergency purchase of an ambulance power lift and stretcher after the department removed a second ambulance from front‑line service because of repeated hydraulic failures. The fire chief described that the failing equipment created an unacceptable safety and liability risk and that a vendor (Stryker) offered an extended 2025 price, yielding approximately $10,000 in immediate savings if ordered promptly. Council members noted the unassigned fund balance is above policy minimums and supported the emergency purchase to restore reliable EMS response and preserve transport revenue.
Councilors directed staff to continue outreach on the firefighter tax‑abatement proposal so it can be refined and considered at a future town meeting; no ordinance was adopted at the Jan. 8 meeting.
