Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Department Grant And Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board approves AFG purchase order and pay increases for fire personnel
Summary
Newton’s Select Board approved a $14,359 purchase order tied to a 2023 AFG grant and granted step increases for two fire personnel after the chief reviewed training and grant reimbursement rules; grant reimbursement requires purchases to be completed before submitting for reimbursement.
The Newton Select Board approved a purchase order and personnel step increases for the fire department at its Aug. 5 meeting.
Chief Deflumery presented Purchase Order 2025001 for medical equipment from Boundtree Medical totaling 14,359 and said the purchase would be paid from the ambulance account (ending in 5056) and later reimbursed under the town’s 2023 AFG grant. He explained the FEMA/AFG process: the town must show the purchase order, agenda approval and minutes when it seeks reimbursement so the funds are redeposited to the originating account. ‘‘We were told that we have to purchase all the equipment that was listed on the grant before we can submit for reimbursement,’’ the chief said.
The Board approved the purchase order by voice vote.
The Board also approved two personnel pay adjustments. Nolan Ash, a probationary firefighter who completed National EMT Basic training, had his hourly base pay increased to $20 effective the next pay period, according to the chief. The record shows his prior rate as '1357' (format not specified). Lieutenant Robert Watson’s base rate was approved at a figure recorded as '2710' in the meeting notes after the lieutenant completed required training and holds a Class B license. Both personnel motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The chief also highlighted recent training completed by several staff, including FBI leadership training, a firearms‑instructor course, SRO ALICE re‑certification and multi‑agency active shooter exercises.
The purchases and pay adjustments were approved without a recorded roll‑call tally in the public minutes.
