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Council weighs fire-department radios, headsets and petty-cash rules; approves EVOC edit to job description
Summary
Council members reviewed quotes for radios and a $574 headset, discussed keeping fundraising funds separate and approved editing the fire chief job description to reference an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC). They deferred setting a petty-cash ceiling to January.
Council members spent substantial time reviewing needs and purchases for the volunteer fire department. An agency representative described equipment quotes, saying a headset for the pump operator was quoted at $574 and handheld radios at roughly $1,000 each, and asked that units be tested for compatibility before purchase. The representative emphasized that many volunteers already use Kenwood radios while other responders use Motorola equipment.
Members discussed how fundraising or raffle proceeds should be recorded and kept separate from the town’s general fund. The Chair and staff said auditors expect special funds to be set up and tracked as separate special‑revenue line items and recommended a formal agenda item in January to set a petty-cash ceiling for department fundraising accounts.
The council also reviewed the fire chief job description and a training item listed as an emergency‑vehicle operator program (variously labeled in the draft). The Chair said the reference would be changed to an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), described in discussion as a roughly three‑hour online defensive‑driving series with an illustrative fee around $75. The Chair moved to approve the job description with that edit; the motion was seconded and carried.
Members directed staff to document accounting procedures so volunteers understand when funds are charged to department accounts and when reimbursements come from town accounts.
