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Board hears 15% fire-budget jump and debate over unequal protection between districts
Summary
Johnsburg board reviewed a roughly 15% increase in fire spending driven by equipment and outfitting needs, and members raised concerns that residents inside the North Creek Fire District and those outside face different tax burdens and potentially unequal equipment and protection.
The Town of Johnsburg board discussed a roughly 15% increase in proposed fire spending after chiefs identified equipment shortfalls that make it difficult for volunteer companies to keep pace. Paul, a fire-company board member, said the increase was understandable given rising costs for turnout gear and pumps: "Every bit of this increase was justified just by the members of the company," he said.
Board members pressed for clearer comparisons across districts, noting that residents inside the North Creek Fire District pay a different tax rate than those outside it. One committee member summarized the equity concern: residents in some hamlets may lack equivalent equipment even with mutual-aid arrangements, prompting calls for the town to pursue steps that equalize safety and preparedness rather than simply raising taxes on local companies. The board discussed possible incentives to recruit volunteers, including retirement or benefit ideas used in nearby towns, and agreed to invite North Creek Fire District officials to present preliminary budget numbers to the board so residents can compare service levels.
