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Easton fire commissioners approve $1.47 million budget, raise chief's salary to $30,000
Summary
The Easton Board of Fire Commissioners on Feb. 11 approved a $1,465,565 budget for 2026–27 and unanimously raised the fire chief’s salary to $30,000; commissioners were told most of the budget increase reflects contractual obligations and that overtime will rise as two career firefighters are on medical leave.
The Easton Board of Fire Commissioners approved a $1,465,565 budget proposal for 2026–27 and voted unanimously to increase the fire chief’s salary to $30,000 during a special meeting on Feb. 11.
Chief R. Klem told commissioners the department handled 47 calls in January and that two career firefighters are on medical leave, a situation he said will increase overtime costs as the department covers those shifts. Klem reviewed the proposed budget and said the 8.71% overall increase is driven largely by contractual obligations, which account for nearly 90% of the change.
Commissioner David Katz moved to approve the Jan. 11 minutes at the start of the meeting; Commissioner P. Barry seconded and the minutes were approved with no changes. Later in the meeting Katz moved the salary increase for the chief; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
Klem also reported the department’s radio‑system upgrade is progressing and that the town’s change to a new dispatch arrangement is tentatively set to be completed in mid‑May 2026. He said the department is receiving a donated boat from Aquarion and that Aquarion was asked to provide a $2,000 donation to purchase an engine for the vessel.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
