Orleans officials debate moving volunteer firefighters from stipends to hourly pay amid recruitment struggles

Presenter (S5) told the board the volunteer department has lost members and is likely to lose more, and urged discussion of new recruitment and pay approaches. "The stipend is killing people on their taxes every year," the presenter said, arguing some volunteers end up owing taxes and that moving to hourly pay could better compensate people who give several hours at a time.

Why it matters: Officials said falling volunteer ranks threaten local emergency coverage. Board members described the problem as regional and long-running and asked staff to evaluate legal and fiscal options before the next budget year.

What was proposed: S5 said outreach to the high school — a short program for 16–18-year-olds — could grow future membership, and floated converting stipends to hourly pay (examples mentioned: $15.50–$20 per hour). Clerk (S3) and Chair (S2) noted there may be special statutory language governing stipends for volunteer firemen and that if a department is controlled by the town members may need to be paid through payroll rather than by stipend.

Discussion highlights: Officials compared Orleans’ position to nearby departments that use hybrid staffing (a few paid staff plus volunteers). "They have a few paid, and then they have select volunteers too," a participant said when discussing a French Lick example; others warned retention problems persist even in mixed models.

Next steps: The chair said the topic will be part of December evaluations and budget conversations; staff were asked to research whether stipend language, payroll options, or a school-based recruitment program are feasible and to report back.

Ending: The board deferred formal policy changes to future budget and evaluation sessions.