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Board hears proposal for $20,000 Fire Administrator stipend as town moves toward dissolving Fire Tax District
Summary
The Board of Finance discussed a possible $20,000 stipend for a Fire Administrator to aid consolidation of fire departments, rising health-insurance costs (9.99% projected) and fringe-benefit increases (~18.5%), and learned the Brooklyn Fire Tax District is scheduled for dissolution on Oct. 1, 2026; a town forum on fire services is planned for April 8.
Board members discussed several items that could affect the 2026—27 budget related to fire services and personnel costs. Joe Bellavance said that "through the Board of Fire Commission, there is a possibility for a $20,000.00 stipend for a possible Fire Administrator to get us to one department next year." Bellavance also reported that health-insurance premiums are projected to increase 9.99% and that the number of participants is rising; Shelley Cates said fringe benefits overall are increasing by about 18.5%.
Bellavance told the board the Brooklyn Fire Tax District is planned to be dissolved on Oct. 1, 2026. Dave Lee, in liaison remarks, said the Fire Department's grant request has not been fully approved; Mortlake had not yet presented its operating grant and on the capital side Mortlake submitted a $90,000 request to replace a boiler (approved by the Fire Commissioners). East Brooklyn proposed $47,000 for new hydraulic tools but that request was not supported and will not move forward. Fire departments were asked to provide an inventory of existing tools.
Members noted a town forum on fire service and protection scheduled for April 8, and the board confirmed Fire Commissioners will present their budgets at the next Board of Finance meeting on March 31.
No formal vote on the stipend or consolidation plan was recorded in the March 18 minutes; the matters were discussed as potential budget drivers and next steps will require further review and formal actions by the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Fire Commission and other applicable bodies.
