New Ashford officials say town lacked fire coverage after July 4; reimbursement for FY26 grant at risk

The New Ashford Select Board on July 6 said the town was left without fire coverage during the July 4 parade after the volunteer fire department took all available apparatus out of town. Board members also warned that late and incomplete invoicing from the department could threaten reimbursement under the FY26 Fire Fighter Safety grant.

Board members reported that cases of bottled water are being stored in the town hall basement and that the treasurer has followed up with the fire chief about the department's billing. The board said one invoice necessary for FY26 grant reimbursement was turned in late by the department, other FY26 invoices arrived at the last minute, some lacked proof of payment required for reimbursement, and one submitted document was an estimate rather than a paid receipt.

The Select Board discussed public-safety implications of sending multiple pieces of apparatus to the parade at the same time, noting the need to ensure coverage for the town during events. Road Commissioner Keith Lacasse told the board he will dig out the island between two culverts on Ingraham Road to create a larger water pocket to support fire-department access in emergencies.

The treasurer has contacted the fire chief to request missing documentation and to clarify whether the late invoice can still meet the grant program's requirements. The board did not take formal disciplinary action or vote on the matter during the July 6 meeting; members said they will revisit the issue after the treasurer's follow-up and before making any final determination about grant eligibility.

The Select Board next meets July 20 at 6:30 p.m. and may discuss any updates provided by the treasurer or the fire chief then.