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Avon Volunteer Fire Department asks for $947,050 operating grant as volunteers cite recruitment strain
Summary
The Avon Volunteer Fire Department requested $947,050 for FY 2027 — an $88,730 (10.34%) increase — and described recruitment and retention pressures, recent call volumes and plans to shift some fundraising costs into the operating grant to sustain training and retention programs.
Leaders of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department asked the Town Council on Feb. 7 for a $947,050 operating grant for FY 2027, an $88,730 increase over the current year aimed at supporting recruitment, retention awards, equipment and medical supplies.
Jamie DiPace, AVFD board president, said the department handled 703 calls for service in the July 2024–June 2025 fiscal year, with 90 calls in January 2026 and 105 year-to-date. He noted volunteer recruitment and retention remain challenges and urged continued municipal support. "This would be a great resource for recruitment and retention," DiPace said while referencing a proposed state bill that could help firefighters and police with tuition and mortgage assistance.
Tom Kline, AVFD assistant chief, provided membership and operational details: the department reported 112 members (with detailed counts across entry firefighters, support firefighters, fire police, explorers and administrative members) and described reductions and reallocations in spending after communication-system changes. Kline said the AVFD seeks to shift $16,000 in recruitment expenses previously covered by fundraising into the operating grant and to expand longevity recognition and expense reimbursements for volunteers.
Why it matters: The AVFD’s request comes as the town weighs the cost and practicality of maintaining a volunteer force versus partial or full career staffing. Council members asked for more information and treated the AVFD request as a potential adjustment to the manager’s recommended budget. Chairman Polhamus said the council would "wait and see how the revenue stream plays out" but acknowledged the AVFD's recruitment struggles.
Next steps: The AVFD’s operating grant request was added to the council’s list of potential budget adjustments for further review before the March meeting.
