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Bayshore fire officials urge higher budget as new construction raises costs and equipment needs
Summary
Bayshore Fire District representatives told Brightwaters trustees the department must seek a roughly 13% budget increase to pay for modern equipment, training and staffing pressures tied to recent wood‑frame construction and taller buildings they say existing vehicles cannot reach.
Bayshore Fire District representatives presented to the Brightwaters board a proposal to raise their budget by about 13%, citing rising costs for vehicles, equipment and training tied to recent local construction.
“We're here to answer your questions about the 13 plus percent increase to the budget,” the district spokesperson told the board and residents, warning that new multi‑story, wood‑frame buildings and modern building configurations are pushing volunteer fire services to buy more specialized—and more expensive—apparatus. Department speakers said a fire truck can now cost in the millions and vehicle build times have lengthened: “A truck cost $2,500,000,” one presenter said.
Board members and residents pressed the department on options to shift some costs to developers or insurers, and on failed efforts to be included in local permitting discussions. The department said it has sought meetings with town officials and legal options but has sometimes been excluded from construction planning, prompting the district to consider expanding its taxing boundaries so it can better control funding.
Residents asked whether higher insurance premiums or developer contributions could offset the request; the presenters said some pilot payments and negotiated town agreements are out of the fire district’s control. The presentation closed with the department urging the board to consider the long‑term public‑safety implications of rapid development and equipment shortages.
