Town Treasurer warns emergency services over-budget; board will consult fire chiefs

Town Treasurer Mary Collins told the Town of Newbury Selectboard and Budget Advisory Committee that "Emergency services are over-budget, likely due to increased call volume, increases in fuel prices, and repairs." The statement was part of a mid-year budget check-in covering both the General Fund and the Highway Fund.

Members discussed whether a full crew is required to respond to every emergency call. Town Clerk/Selectboard Assistant Chuck Schulze reviewed how scene-communication works to assess staffing needs, and the board agreed to consult the fire chiefs and review standard operating procedures in the town's emergency services bylaws to determine if response efficiency can be improved. Marvin Harrison, a member of the Fire Department Steering Committee, said the department is "conscientious in ordering repairs only when definitely needed," while Chair Susan Culp noted ongoing uncertainty about the future status of the West Newbury fire station.

Treasurer Collins indicated the emergency-services overage might be partially offset by reallocating funds from other line items, but cautioned that "overall there is little margin anywhere." The board did not adopt any budget transfers at the meeting and asked staff to gather more detail from the fire chiefs and the department's operating procedures before proposing changes.