Greenbush swears in new fire chief and schedules workshop on proposed fire fees

Ray DeMunck presented the Greenbush Fire Department’s April financial statement and slate of newly elected department officers and was later sworn in as the town’s new fire chief at the April 27 meeting. The board and department recognized outgoing Chief Steve Dickman for 22 years of continuous service; Dickman also provided maintenance updates including lawn-edge repairs, playground chip spreading, and a downed tree to be cut for firewood. DeMunck noted that tires had been replaced on Engine 1 and that the old tires were available for sale.

Board discussion focused on a draft fire-fee ordinance. Supervisor Tony Wagner summarized roughly 18 months of work on a proposed ordinance, citing legal opinions, draft language, cost-to-landowner calculations and proposed timelines. Board members moved to schedule a workshop at 7 p.m. on May 11, 2026, to develop a consensus proposal the board could present at a future public input session; that motion carried.

Why it matters: the proposed ordinance, if advanced after the workshop and public input, would establish fees associated with fire-department responses and could affect property owners’ costs. The board’s workshop is intended to shape a proposal for a later public hearing and potential adoption.

Next steps: the board will hold the May 11 workshop to refine the ordinance language and cost calculations before any public input session is scheduled. DeMunck will serve as the town’s fire chief going forward and the department will continue routine maintenance and equipment updates.