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Select Board declines to add SAFER firefighter stabilization funding to warrant after heated debate
Summary
After public pleas from firefighters and a lengthy board debate, a motion to add a warrant article establishing a stabilization fund for SAFER-funded hires failed. Board members differed about pre-funding future obligations versus handling needs when they arise.
Public commenters and union leaders pressed the Select Board on March 23 to create a stabilization fund to sustain eight SAFER-funded firefighter positions after grant support ends. Pat McManus, union president, told the board the matter should go to town meeting and stressed that previous town-floor votes were narrowly decided.
Board members and staff discussed mechanics: how an ambulance revolving fund operates; how overtime and payroll allocations flow between general and enterprise funds; and whether the town should make a down payment from free cash or allow the department to open a zero-balance stabilization account and try to set aside operating savings. Supporters said even a modest stabilization balance could preserve some positions when the SAFER grant ends; opponents argued pre-funding a potential million-dollar obligation is premature and that the town has other tools (free cash, budget adjustments) to address a future need.
After a motion to add the stabilization-fund article to the warrant, the Select Board voted: the motion was seconded but failed (no majority). Several members emphasized they understood the department’s concerns but preferred addressing the funding question through ordinary budget and free-cash processes at the time the need is concrete.
What’s next: the department and board will continue conversations; staff said options remain including internal department savings, a future free-cash allocation, or reintroducing a warrant article in a future cycle if circumstances change.
