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Ira volunteer fire department describes busy year as board reviews $44,450 support request
Summary
The Ira Volunteer Fire Department described a busy year, including a structure fire and mutual aid from Rutland City, as the Select Board reviewed Article 5 asking voters to appropriate $44,450 to support the department. Residents discussed staffing pressures and regional consolidation trends.
Mary Richthammer read Article 5, which asks voters to appropriate $44,450 to support the Ira Volunteer Fire Department. Dan Perry, identified in the minutes as "Chief," said the department had "a very busy year including a structure fire in town" and expressed appreciation for mutual‑aid assistance from Rutland City.
Resident Bob Toppin raised the issue of regional standards and staffing, saying federal guidance encourages regionalizing emergency services and that some neighboring departments have reduced personnel. He said, as recorded in the minutes, that "West Rutland has dropped from 40 personnel to 20." Madeline Kerstetter added that the state population is declining and aging, a trend she said affects volunteer recruitment.
The informational meeting was a chance for residents to ask questions before the warrant articles are decided by voters.
