Salisbury council approves fire‑department budget amendment and grant to buy specialized gear

The Salisbury City Council on March 23 approved two measures to fund firefighter equipment and reduce occupational cancer risks. Council members signaled consensus to move forward with an $8,834 budget amendment reallocating HAZMAT special‑operations revenue into the rescue supply account so the department can buy specialized dive equipment, according to the department’s presentation.

Council members also agreed to accept an $18,358 grant from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Purdue Foundation to purchase impermeable turnout‑gear bags for every current firefighter. The department described the bags as part of an ongoing cancer‑reduction program that already includes on‑scene decontamination, gear washing and annual screenings. The presenter said the bags will reduce off‑gassing and exposure when personnel transport gear in personal vehicles and that there is no local match required.

In presenting the budget amendment, the fire representative said the city’s hazmat/incident‑recovery billing exceeded projected revenues this year and that the excess can be reinvested in equipment without additional taxpayer funding. After the presentations, council members asked no substantive questions and moved both items forward by consensus.

The action will allow the fire department to order the specified gear and maintain operational readiness; staff said the items will be purchased from existing departmental accounts or the awarded grant and no extra appropriation beyond the identified amounts is required. The council did not record a roll‑call tally; both items advanced by voice approval and administrative follow‑up.