Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Department Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stoddard Officials Outline Funding Plan as Fire Tanker Replacement Costs Rise
Summary
Fire Chief Steve Rockwell told selectmen that tanker replacement costs could climb from $675,000 today to about $874,300 by 2028; the board discussed raising the fire CRF target to roughly $600,000 and weighing loans versus municipal bonding.
Stoddard Fire Chief Steve Rockwell told the Selectmen on April 13 that the town’s planned replacement tanker — currently estimated at $675,000 — could rise to about $874,300 by 2028 and that pump obsolescence presents an operational risk.
The presentation opened a budget and funding conversation. The board reviewed current capital reserve fund (CRF) balances of $170,346.81 and discussed raising the CRF target from a prior $400,000 to roughly $600,000 to meet projected replacement and equipment needs. Rockwell urged the board to consider timing and financing options; staff were asked to evaluate taxpayer impact scenarios and compare borrowing via short-term loans (noted as roughly 8% interest in the meeting record) against municipal bonding (estimated at 2–3% interest).
The chief also outlined other equipment needs and grant opportunities. He located a volunteer grant writer to pursue funds for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) replacements (estimated about $130,000 by 2028) and for radio replacements (roughly $3,500 per unit), and noted mutual-aid grant possibilities. Rockwell was asked to provide documentation of applicable regulatory requirements and to submit an installation quote for a washer/extractor and dryer before the next meeting and Town Meeting so the board can confirm which budget line (building maintenance, equipment, or a warrant article) would fund installation.
Selectmen approved two small but immediate expenditures during the meeting. A $340 bill for pest control and $4,650 for training were approved (motions by Selectman Terri LaRoche and seconded by Selectman Jason Kovarik; unanimous). The board directed staff to keep transparent line-item reallocation records for training and other adjustments and to prepare public budget-hearing clarifications on equipment costs and regulatory requirements to post on the town website and social media.
Next steps: Rockwell will submit the installation quote and regulatory documentation, staff will model financing options and CRF targets for future meetings, and the board will publish clarifying budget information ahead of Town Meeting.
