North Kingstown fire department budget reflects rising costs and staffing challenges

The North Kingstown Town Council convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss various budgetary matters and departmental updates, focusing on the planning and fire departments. The meeting began with commendations for the town's charitable foundation, which has successfully provided a haven for unwanted pets.

The planning department's budget was presented by Nicole, who highlighted the department's full staffing and its support for nine different boards and commissions. She noted an increase in inquiries regarding accessory dwelling units and emphasized the focus on residential development in growth centers like Post Road and Wickford Junction. Nicole also reported on the successful Post Road facade program and the ongoing review of the hazard mitigation plan, which is expected to yield significant savings on flood insurance for taxpayers.

The fire department's budget was introduced by Interim Fire Chief John Linacre, who reported a 4.79% overall budget increase, with operational costs showing a slight decrease. Key budgetary increases were attributed to rising training costs, particularly for mental health training, and increased vehicle maintenance expenses. Chief Linacre expressed concerns about recruitment and retention, noting that competitive salaries in neighboring communities have led to firefighters leaving North Kingstown for better pay. The council discussed the implications of overtime costs, particularly in relation to staffing shortages and the impact on firefighter morale.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the fire department's long-term planning for equipment replacement and the financial implications of rescue billing, which contributes significantly to the town's budget. The council members expressed appreciation for the hard work of the departments and the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to ensure effective service delivery. Overall, the meeting underscored the town's commitment to addressing community needs while navigating budgetary constraints.