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Waterford board approves transfers to cover storm overtime and fire service upgrades
Summary
Board okayed a $92,800 transfer for Public Works overtime tied to storm response and two $9,000 transfers for Fire Services (OSHA physicals and PFAS-free turnout gear) to address emergency work and staff health and safety.
The Waterford Board of Selectmen approved several in-series transfers on March 17 to cover emergency overtime and fire department needs following recent severe storms.
Director of Public Works Gary Schneider requested a $92,800 transfer to cover overtime for after-hours emergency calls, tree removal, flooding and several weekend storm responses, including a recent blizzard. He said crews worked long hours to keep streets passable and maintain services; Selectmen thanked the crew for the effort.
The board also approved two separate $9,000 transfers requested by Fire Services Director Chris Haley. One covers OSHA-required physicals and expansion of the town's occupational health program with the town provider, Pequot Health; Haley said the program expands medical screening and oversight for firefighters. The other transfer covers protective clothing for new firefighters and accelerates the department’s move to PFAS-free turnout gear. Haley said Waterford adopted a town specification with Honeywell/Morning Pride equipment and noted the newer gear carries about a 10-year service life.
Selectmen voiced broad support for the health and safety measures. "I think it is going to pay ... in terms of our firefighters' health down the road," one member said of the PFAS-free transition. The motions carried and the transfers will be implemented as directed by the department heads and finance staff.
Officials also noted vendors have signaled quarter-over-quarter price increases of roughly 6%–13% on some materials, a factor contributing to in-year transfers.
The board’s actions were procedural approvals of needed funds to cover personnel, safety and emergency-response costs; no additional conditions or amendments were attached at the meeting.
