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Council delays FY25 community grant spending for volunteer firehouse, seeks fuller plan for FY26
Summary
The council voted unanimously not to expend FY25 community grant funds earmarked for the local volunteer firehouse and directed staff and stakeholders to develop a detailed plan and reporting approach for use in the FY26 budget, citing rebuilding needs and recruitment progress.
Riverdale Park councilors and town staff discussed a proposed $23,000 appropriation from the FY25 community grant line for the local volunteer firehouse. Firehouse representative Mr. Lamphere described recruitment and training challenges following COVID, said the department currently has roughly 10 active members with 11 new applicants (including five already EMT‑certified), and outlined needs including minor facility repairs, equipment, website upgrades, recruitment marketing, and incentives for training completion.
Staff recommended delaying expenditure this year to allow time for a more detailed plan and to consider reprogramming the funds into FY26 to create a larger, better‑scoped allocation. Council members expressed support for helping restore the house but emphasized the need for clarity on how funds would be used and accountability measures. Council member Lingua urged that the town show commitment if the volunteer group is expected to invest effort to rebuild operational capability.
The council voted to withhold the FY25 funds and directed staff to work with the volunteer department and interested council members to set a date for a focused discussion that would allow the group to present a detailed plan before funds are allocated in FY26. The motion passed by roll call (6–0).
Next steps: Staff and the volunteer department agreed to meet with the council’s public‑safety committee to present a timeline, proposed uses for the funds (segregated account reporting was discussed), and potential accountability mechanisms before any FY26 appropriation.
Why it matters: The volunteer firehouse provides emergency response capacity in parts of town; decisions on funding and rebuilding affect local emergency coverage and will shape the town’s partnership with volunteer responders going forward.
