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Fire chief presents 2026 budget preview, flags replacement of 30-year-old Humvee brush truck
Summary
Fire Chief Smigiel presented a preliminary 2026 budget that includes wage increases, building improvements and equipment needs; he said the department’s Humvee brush truck is over 30 years old, parts are scarce, and replacement could take about two years and involve notable cost.
Fire Chief Smigiel presented the fire department’s preliminary 2026 budget to the Committee of the Whole on July 15, outlining a 2025 analysis, 2026 projections, and justifications for proposed wage increases, building improvements and equipment replacements. Smigiel said the department’s Humvee brush truck is more than 30 years old, repair parts are increasingly difficult to source, and he reviewed options and projected costs for replacement with a roughly two-year timeline.
Smigiel described other equipment status and replacement timelines as part of the budget presentation, emphasizing the need to plan over multiple fiscal years to avoid service gaps. During board comments he added that the retirement of employee Doug VanWormer will be announced at the board meeting on Aug. 5.
Board members also discussed whether the Governmental Center should remain open Monday–Friday or reduce hours to Monday–Thursday, noting minimal resident traffic on Fridays during the summer. The Committee of the Whole adjourned at 8:22 p.m. on a motion by Placher, seconded by Williams; the voice vote was Ayes: 6, Nays: 0, Absent: 1.
