Rushford Fire Department reviews equipment and ambulance costs at mill-rate meeting

Chief Nick Smith opened the Rushford Fire Department mill-rate meeting Sept. 23 with a review of the department’s Mill Rate Fund and recent financials, reporting a 2022 ending balance of $559,510.78 and 2023 revenues of $115,362.76 against 2023 expenses of $163,897.79.

Smith said the truck replacement scheduled for 2026 will be delayed because replacement costs have risen and the department is hopeful costs will moderate. He said the department plans to enlarge two overhead doors so future apparatus will fit and noted turnout gear is subject to a 10-year replacement requirement; turnout gear costs are estimated at $3,000–$4,000 per set and the department will need about 30 sets. Smith said relief association funds and grants help offset some costs and that he believes the current mill rate of 0.0165 can remain for the next two years, though some attendees questioned whether allowing the fund balance to grow should be prioritized.

On ambulance matters, Paul Corcoran reported that contracts nearly doubled due to hiring a full-time ambulance director, payment on a new ambulance, purchase and installation of a $50,000 electric cot, and higher training costs; staffing changes (two to three night positions and three daytime positions) have also increased payroll expense. Corcoran said in-house training was used in the past when a full-time director was on staff and suggested revisiting that approach to save money.

The mill-rate meeting concluded at 6:40 p.m.; minutes note there was no motion to adjourn the continued council meeting because of lack of quorum.