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Montgomery Township supervisors authorize consultant pitches, keep budget on track for proposed full‑time fire staffing
Summary
Supervisors voted to have staff solicit proposals from three consulting firms to review a proposal to move the township fire department toward 24/7 career staffing while directing the chief to prepare the 2026 budget as if new hires will be included; residents and volunteers urged both independent analysis and faster action to address understaffing.
Montgomery Township supervisors on an item discussing a proposed expansion of career fire staffing authorized township staff to solicit proposals from three consultants to assess the plan, while directing the fire chief to prepare the 2026 budget assuming the new hires are included.
The decision came after weeks of outreach — staff said the township has met with Montgomery Walk and Neshaminy Falls HOAs, posted a dedicated website page (reported 2,799 views) and produced a podcast the public has listened to about 690 times — and following public comment from residents and department members urging both independent review and rapid action.
Why it matters: The proposal would convert the department toward a larger number of full‑time career staff to address routine understaffing. Speakers at the meeting said the change could require substantial tax increases and may trigger facility and equipment needs not yet fully costed; supervisors asked for transparent, multi‑year cost forecasts so taxpayers can weigh the tradeoffs.
Resident Eric Pelletier said he supports improved…
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