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Freetown ratifies firefighters' contract and amends FY2027 budget to add a full‑time firefighter
Summary
The board approved a consolidated collective bargaining agreement with the Freetown Full‑Time Firefighters Association Local 2313 (effective 7/1/2024–6/30/2027) and amended the FY2027 omnibus budget to add $71,000 for a fourth full‑time firefighter and $10,000 for insurance premiums.
The Freetown Board of Selectmen voted on June 1 to approve a consolidated collective bargaining agreement between the town and the Freetown Full‑Time Firefighters Association Local 2313, effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. The chair said the agreement consolidates prior memoranda of agreement and has been vetted by town counsel and the union.
At the same meeting the board also approved amendments to the FY2027 omnibus budget to fund a fourth full‑time firefighter ($71,000 increase to budget line 220, personnel) and to increase the insurance line by $10,000 (department 912) to cover equipment/policy renewal shortfalls. The chair read the combined total shown in the packet as $34,854,562.50.
Board members discussed staffing implications and retirements anticipated in January, explaining that the additional funded position provides staffing continuity and a way to avoid layoffs should attrition occur. The motion to approve the budget amendments and the firefighter funding carried on the board vote.
Next steps: department heads will proceed with recruitment and confirm insurance adjustments; the collective bargaining agreement will be signed according to town procedures.
