Orleans council discusses raising stipends, losing volunteers and selling surplus rescue truck

Council discussion turned to fire-department operations, where one member proposed raising the per-run stipend from $15.50 to $20 and making meetings and training pay $20. The same speaker said the department currently lists eight members and expects to lose another, leaving roughly seven active personnel, and emphasized recruiting high-school cadets as a future pipeline.

A department official said he obtained an appraisal and sales proposal from a broker transcribed in the meeting as "Garage." The company gave a two-tier assessment: a quick-sale route at about $60,000 and a longer-term search listing for somewhat more than $100,000. The official said the broker would handle posting and buyer search but would not buy the vehicle outright. The council discussed whether a trade for another vehicle might be possible through the broker.

Members discussed operational limitations of the vehicle: it is classified in the transcript as a "wet light rescue" with a small tank and pump and is not considered a pump truck; the vehicle’s small water capacity limits its firefighting role. Council members indicated they want to pursue more information about sale logistics and potential trades, and one asked staff to gather additional detail from the broker.

The council also discussed cadet program outreach to local high schools and other recruitment measures to address shrinking staffing. No formal vote on stipend changes or vehicle disposition occurred at the meeting; council members asked staff for follow-up details and additional options.