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Brentwood adopts new fire pay matrix and okays roughly $25,000 skid for forestry truck
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Summary
The select board adopted a new living pay matrix for firefighters tying raises to certifications and steps and approved buying an all‑inclusive poly tank skid for the forestry truck from impact‑fee funds at an estimated cost of about $25,000.
Brentwood’s select board voted to adopt a new pay matrix for the fire department and to authorize purchase of an all‑inclusive poly tank skid unit for the town’s forestry truck.
The board heard a presentation from the fire chief, who said the matrix was developed by comparing pay and raises in Rockingham County and nearby communities and builds career progression into grades and steps. “We sat down and we created a matrix to, basically, give the employees somewhat of a sense where they would be going in their career here,” the chief said. He described the document as a “living document” that will be adjusted annually to reflect COLA and local practice.
Members discussed how the matrix interacts with the budgeted average raise. The chief said the average of historical raises was about 2.79 percent; the town had budgeted a 2.8 percent average. Board members asked how certification‑related steps and COLA would be applied; the chief said steps tied to promotions or certifications would remain while the percentage points used to scale the matrix could be revised each year.
After discussion, a member moved to adopt and sign the presented pay matrix; the board voted by roll call to approve it.
The board also approved funding for equipment to outfit a recently acquired off‑road forestry truck. The chief said he had solicited four quotes and that prices for a poly tank ranged from about $11,900 to $16,085, and that a Canadian manufacturer offered an all‑in‑one skid that includes the pump, piping and installation. The chief recommended the skid to avoid coordinating multiple contractors. “They build the poly tank, but they also put the pump, all the piping, and put it on a board, basically,” he said. The board agreed to use impact‑fee funds to purchase the skid and voted to authorize roughly $25,000 for the work and installation, with the chief asked to return if costs increase.
Finance details: during the meeting the treasurer reported the town’s CD portfolio includes a $1,500,000 CD maturing April 30; the board discussed policy for rolling short‑term CDs and confirmed those funds will be managed as needed. Members asked that the chief and finance staff provide any final vendor documentation and that the town confirm available impact‑fee balances before final contracting.
The board’s action means firefighters will move to the new graded pay scale beginning with the compensation changes the board formally adopted, and the forestry truck will be equipped with the approved skid subject to final procurement paperwork.
