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Greenbush receives fire department update; board reviews draft fire‑fee ordinance with legal questions
Summary
Fire Chief Steve Dickman reported 21 members, one FF1 graduate, a repaired furnace fan and an annual soup supper; the board reviewed a draft fire‑fee ordinance from the town attorney but held off on action while legal limits (including effects tied to 2013 and prior‑year spending rules) are clarified.
The Town of Greenbush board on Jan. 26 reviewed a written Greenbush Fire Department update and discussed a draft fire‑fee ordinance provided by the town attorney.
Fire Chief Steve Dickman told the board the department has 21 members and that one member completed Fire Fighter I (FF1) training at Lakeshore Technical College. Dickman reported a furnace fan at the fire station failed on Christmas Day and that a circuit board controlling the fan was repaired in January. He also gave notice that the Fire Department’s annual soup supper will be held Jan. 30 at 4 p.m.
Clerk/Treasurer Miller said the town attorney is preparing a draft ordinance to impose fire fees but is working through legal questions, including revenue limits tied to prior‑year spending and how a 2013 rule affects the county/town tax deduction calculation. The attorney provided background materials and a draft ordinance as of the prior Friday, Miller said; the board received the materials for consideration but did not take any formal action.
Supervisor Miles Shaw asked whether non‑tax property could be included in the fee division. Fire Chief Dickman warned of potential concerns if fees were applied to the State Prison Site, citing water‑use implications for that property, and the board noted the attorney is still researching which properties and services such an ordinance may lawfully cover.
No vote was taken. The board will await further legal guidance from the town attorney before advancing any ordinance.
