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Westford Fire Chief urges better communication after budget discussion
Summary
Fire Chief Garrett Bartlett told the Selectboard the department "does not feel the town has their back," urging more communication after budget deliberations; the board acknowledged volunteers and said it is conducting due diligence on finances.
Garrett Bartlett, Westford's fire chief, used public comment time at the Feb. 12 Selectboard meeting to challenge the tenor of recent budget discussions and to ask for more communication between the town and the department.
Bartlett said the Fire Department "does not feel the town has their back," and that volunteers and staff would have appreciated earlier notice if the Selectboard believed there were problems. He also said the department's service has "improved significantly in recent years." Selectboard members responded that they value the volunteers and that the board is reviewing budgets to present accurate information to the public. Pat Haller said he had spoken with Bartlett earlier in the day and emphasized appreciation for the volunteers.
Resident Vicky Ross also criticized how the board handled department communications, saying the lack of outreach and appreciation was "not acceptable" and noting the Library had been level funded. Board members acknowledged the concerns and said the Fire Department will be involved as the board takes up budget priorities in coming meetings.
