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Volunteer fire chief seeks tanker funding; paid department estimate cited
Summary
Avon Volunteer Fire Department leaders presented a zero-percent operating request and cited a tanker estimate of $775,000 plus projected cost increases; Chief Bruce Appell said converting to a paid department would cost approximately $3–5 million annually.
Bruce Appell, Fire Chief, and Jamie DiPace, Board President of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, presented the department’s budget and capital needs and requested a zero-percent operating increase. Chief Appell outlined the tanker estimate at about $775,000 plus potential 5% cost increases over the next two years and an additional $30,000 related to an EPA requirement change; he noted the department’s fundraising has declined.
Council members asked about alternatives and affordability. In response to a council question about a paid department, Chief Appell said it would "cost approximately $3 to $5 million year over year." The Town Manager’s recommended budget reduced the tanker request to $150,000 from the department’s original $400,000 request for Tanker 20, and Chief Appell said architectural planning fees for station work were still to be determined.
