Residents press Johnsburg board for better meeting access and to fund EMS

Multiple residents used the privileges-of-the-floor portion of the meeting to press the board on two recurring concerns: clearer access to board meetings (better audio, microphones and room placement) and the need to support local emergency services with modest budget increases.

One resident urged the board to make meetings more accessible, suggesting moving meetings to a smaller room and equipping board members with body microphones and handheld mics for the public so people can both hear in the room and on YouTube. "Each 1 of the board members should wear a body mic so the audience can hear their comments," the resident said. That was followed by comments from Martha Webb, who identified herself as a town resident and JES board member, arguing that a proposed 2% increase for the Johnsburg Emergency Squad amounts to roughly $8,600 and would cost individual taxpayers only a few dollars while materially aiding EMT retention. "How many of you realize that the raise $8,600 will cost each taxpayer 1.5¢ per thousand," Webb said, urging the board to weigh the public-safety and retention benefits when considering EMS funding.

Board members responded that asking for justification and written 2025 budget figures does not indicate opposition to EMS or fire services; they requested up-to-date documentation from the emergency squad and the fire companies to justify any long-term increases. A town official acknowledged technology problems with remote audio and said the town is working through new systems and kinks in YouTube streaming.