Bolton Fire Commission reports tight budget, equipment needs and leadership change

The Bolton Fire Commission was told July 22 that the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department closed the 2023–24 year with about 1.2% of the budget unspent after the department absorbed unanticipated costs and made internal transfers, Commission Chairman John Morianos and Chief Bruce Dixon said.

Chief Bruce Dixon reported 56 emergency calls for the month and 313 calls year‑to‑date, including three motor vehicle accidents, eight tree-or-wire incidents and an overdose at Bolton Notch that required a UTV response from the Vernon Fire Department and mutual aid from neighboring departments. Dixon said roughly $27,000 in major, unexpected vehicle repairs and a $5,000 withdrawal by the selectmen to finish payment on Engine Tank 134 put pressure on the budget. The Town Administrator offered to search other budgets for possible end‑of‑year funds, the chief said.

To cover expenses, Dixon said he made transfers among remaining budget categories and reduced spending on medical supplies, turnout gear and training. He listed anticipated 2024–25 costs that include ten tires for the ladder truck and a fuel‑tank replacement and warned that new federal OSHA mandates may also create additional, currently unspecified expenses.

The chief also outlined training and recruitment efforts: one member is enrolled in an EMT class, two members in Firefighter I, two in Firefighter II and one in a Fire Instructor course. A training roof and door prop funded through a Greater Hartford/Bolton for Giving grant and built with volunteer labor is nearing completion, and the department plans an Open House and recruitment event at the firehouse in early October.

In an administrative announcement, Chief Dixon said Assistant Chief Michael Eremita has stepped down from his chief’s position to assist with special detail projects and to respond to larger, more complex emergency calls; the minutes note Eremita has more than 55 years of experience in the fire service.

Commissioner Robert Langton asked whether the department is likely to finish the next fiscal year under budget; Dixon replied yes, while Chairman John Morianos cautioned that ongoing unforeseen costs or catastrophic incidents could quickly change the outlook.

Fire Marshal Bill Call provided a routine report on inspections and activities, including Knox Box installations, a Knox Lock MTS property, reinspection of apartments at 21 Clark Road and a tank removal at Saint Maurice Church; Deputy James Quish handled a call at Bolton High School for a water problem.

Under new business, Chief Dixon described planned upgrades to department radios that would add frequencies for mutual aid; he said the department intends to purchase eight to ten additional radios to improve crew safety and interoperability. No formal vote on the purchase was recorded in the minutes.

Procedural items: the commission approved the June 24, 2024 meeting minutes on a motion by Commissioner Robert Langton, seconded by Commissioner Danny Moquin, and adjourned at 7:30 P.M. on a motion by Langton, seconded by Chris Moquin; both motions were recorded as passed unanimously.

The commission has no meeting scheduled for August; its next regular meeting is set for Sept. 23, 2024.