DeWitt Town Board selects fire department amid long-standing village partnership disputes

In the dimly lit town hall of DeWitt, a heated discussion unfolded as town officials grappled with the complexities of fire protection services. The meeting, held on March 25, 2025, revealed long-standing tensions between the town and the village regarding the management and funding of fire services, a topic that has been contentious for over two decades.

At the heart of the debate was the town's proposal for a cooperative partnership with the village to jointly manage fire department responsibilities and costs. Despite numerous offers to collaborate, the village has consistently rejected these proposals, leading to ongoing threats of service cancellations and public announcements that could leave residents without fire protection. Town officials expressed frustration over the village's stance, which they argue has hindered effective service delivery and financial planning.

The town's budget discussions highlighted a significant challenge: an unexpected $800,000 increase imposed by the village just weeks after the town had finalized its budget. This sudden financial burden could have forced the town to exceed its tax cap, a situation they have managed to avoid for most of the past two decades. The town's average budget increase over the last 18 years has been around 1.5%, with only one notable exception following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a move to ensure reliable fire protection, the DeWitt Town Board selected the DeWitt Fire Department to provide services starting January 1, 2025. This decision followed a request for proposals that prioritized both quality and cost. The town emphasized that the DeWitt Fire Department, with its high ISO rating and professional staff, would offer superior service compared to alternatives.

As discussions progressed, the town board outlined the advantages of establishing a special tax zone for fire services, which would allow for lower tax rates for residents in the northern part of the town. This proposal aims to streamline operations and reduce redundancy in command structures, ultimately leading to long-term savings for taxpayers.

However, the meeting was not without its challenges. Disagreements erupted among board members, highlighting the deep divisions over the future of fire services in the area. Some officials voiced concerns about the transition to a paid fire department, questioning the implications for volunteer firefighters and the community's overall safety.

As the meeting concluded, the town board reiterated the need for cooperation and transparency in future negotiations with the village. The ongoing struggle for effective fire protection services in DeWitt remains a pressing issue, with residents and officials alike watching closely as the situation develops. The outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly shape the future of fire safety and community trust in the region.