Montgomery Township reviews proposed career fire‑staffing expansion as residents press for clearer outreach

At a special meeting in early November, the Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors reviewed a proposed expansion of career fire staffing and four budget scenarios that would change the township's fire fund millage. No final staffing vote was taken; supervisors said they will address advertisement of the budget and the staffing scenario at their regular public meeting later in the month.

Carolyn, a township staff presenter, told the board the packet includes four staffing scenarios and associated budget adjustments. She said recent edits (lines shown in red in the packet) moved some pension and equipment costs and added consulting services to fund a feasibility and a comprehensive fire service study for 2026.

Chief Bill Wegman argued the staffing choice should prioritize consistent operational safety. “I am asking, at this point, for 11 because that is the bare minimum standard by NFPA and by OSHA,” he said, citing the service‑level goal of four personnel per engine (the “2‑in/2‑out” safety standard) and data showing a number of slow responses…