During a recent meeting of the Board of Supervisors, significant discussions centered around funding for the Brookfield Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department, particularly regarding the urgent need for new extrication tools. The board approved an increase in annual contributions to fire departments, raising maintenance funds to $15,000 per department due to rising costs.

Chief Harris of Brookfield Timberlake highlighted the critical condition of their current extrication tools, which have fallen into disrepair. He requested emergency funding to replace these tools, citing a quote of $81,337 for new equipment. However, an alternative quote for a different brand came in at $50,701.50, prompting a recommendation from staff to advance the fiscal year 2027 capital improvement plan (CIP) allocation of $56,000 to facilitate the purchase.

The urgency of the request was underscored by the fact that the department had utilized their existing tools nine times in just six months for vehicle incidents, including four actual extrications. The tools are essential for emergency responses, and the department has been actively seeking grant funding to support their equipment needs, although a recent FEMA grant application was unsuccessful.

Board members expressed concerns about the timing of the request and the lack of visibility into budget discussions earlier in the cycle. Chief Harris explained that the need arose unexpectedly due to equipment failure, which was not anticipated during earlier budget planning.

The board is now considering the request for emergency funding to ensure that Brookfield Timberlake can maintain its operational readiness and continue to provide vital services to the community.