Orwell Select Board reviews fire department budget as turnout gear and radio repair costs rise

The Orwell Select Board reviewed detailed line-item changes to the town’s Fire Department budget at a special budget meeting on Oct. 27, 2025. The meeting record lists increases for turnout gear, training and radio repairs while noting the department’s total is $6,175.48 less than last year.

Why it matters: Firefighter turnout gear and communications equipment are costly and time-sensitive investments that affect response readiness for town emergency services.

The meeting record shows the following Fire Department adjustments: dues up $50; American Tower rent set at $1,300; building maintenance at $2,000; equipment testing $3,500; electricity held at $1,500; vehicle repair held at $9,000; equipment purchase increased to $10,000; a $1,000 line for fire extinguishers; heat-propane $2,000; hydrant and pond maintenance $1,000; insurance $10,000; radio repair increased from $3,000 to $4,000; training increased to $1,500 (from $1,000 last year); turnout gear increased to $16,000 (from $14,000); waste removal $500; and a zeroed well account. Despite several increases, the record notes the total Fire Department budget is $6,175.48 less than the prior year.

The record does not attribute each line item to a specific speaker; Andrea Treadway, Chair, opened and closed the meeting. The minutes do not record a formal vote on the Fire Department figures; the board scheduled continued budget review for Nov. 10, 2025.

The board will revisit the budget at the continued meeting, giving members another opportunity to adjust funding levels before final adoption.