Montgomery Township supervisors authorize consultant pitches, keep budget on track for proposed full‑time fire staffing

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 fire protection but urged an independent, comprehensive study before committing to a significant tax increase: “Before the township commits to such a major investment, I think it's important to know if it's the most effective and efficient way forward,” he said.

Several supervisors said they trust Chief Wegman’s work but are split on process. One supervisor said they would not vote to hire an outside consultant because the chief and local staff “know what we need” and are residents themselves. Another supervisor argued impartial analysis is warranted to test assumptions — including staffing levels (the proposal refers to roughly 19 additional positions), facility needs and long‑term costs — and to help the board communicate forecasts for years 1–10.

Fire Department members emphasized operational urgency. Lieutenant Rachel Bridal, who said she has served since 2012 and is active on the department’s recruitment and retention committee, described repeated runs with crews of three and training constraints for new volunteers: “I am begging you to please consider the health and safety of all of the members of this township because that is your responsibility,” she said.

Volunteer firefighter Vinay Sethi said volunteers are burned out after years of heavy call volumes and that hiring fewer than the full proposed staffing could lead to early turnover: “My fear of only hiring a small number of people versus the full 19 is that they will be burnt out soon too, and they will leave,” he said.

Staff told the board the consultant in the packet estimated a two‑ to three‑month turnaround that could fit the township’s budget cycle; staff also said the township has money budgeted for consultant fees this year. Board members discussed whether the board could authorize a firm appointment immediately and ratify the contract later so the study could begin without delaying the budget process.

The motion the board approved directed staff to obtain scope and cost proposals from three firms and authorized Carolyn (township staff) to select and execute an agreement with a firm if the cost met board parameters, with ratification to follow at a regular meeting. The motion was seconded and recorded as passing with three recorded “Aye” responses. Supervisors emphasized they would refuse all proposals that exceeded acceptable cost thresholds and that staff should return with firm cost and timeframe estimates.

The meeting also included discussion of short‑term recruitment incentives. Speakers noted a historical stipend program (shift pay earlier cited as $15 and later $50 per shift) and a federal grant that covers call pay and training; staff and department leaders said stipend increases alone may not solve long‑term staffing and burnout problems.

Next steps: Staff will solicit quotes, report back with cost and time estimates, and the chief will continue preparing the budget with the assumption that the hires will be included for consideration during the township’s normal budget process (the board must adopt a balanced budget by Dec. 31). The township will hold a public town hall on Aug. 20 that will be livestreamed and recorded for residents who cannot attend in person.

The Board moved next to Item 17, department reports.