Fire board approves volunteer department budget with small stipend increases for three officers

The Town of Southwest Ranches Fire Board unanimously approved the volunteer fire department budget and an amendment to increase small annual stipends for three officers, citing retention and the volume of off‑duty responsibilities those officers perform.

Board members discussed a late request from the chief to adjust compensation for Captain Garcia, Lieutenant Petrillo and Battalion/Assistant Training Chief Bruce Evans. The proposal listed annual stipend increases of $2,200 for Captain Garcia and $2,200 for Lieutenant Petrillo; the chair noted one officer’s increase had already been absorbed in the presented budget and that the additional amount the board approved beyond the presented budget totaled $1,800.

The chief described each officer’s duties and tenure to justify the request: Captain Garcia has been on the force about 13 years and handles logistics and payroll; Lieutenant Petrillo (about 16 years) manages SCBA testing, hose certification and equipment maintenance; Bruce Evans (about 11–12 years), the training chief, logs state training records and travels from West Palm Beach to perform duties, including state licensing paperwork.

Board members recorded no public comment on the budget amendment and approved the motion by roll call. The board instructed staff to implement the approved adjustments through the town’s payroll process.

The board also briefly requested a new meeting microphone; members said procurement of minor equipment could be considered with future budget items.