The Fire Chief presented the department’s proposed fiscal‑year‑2026 budget and highlighted three main cost drivers: an anticipated mandatory move to a new fire/EMS reporting system after the vendor acquisition (ERS bought by ESO), continued mechanical and fleet repairs on aging apparatus, and possible grade/step adjustments for full‑time firefighter positions.

The chief said he requested the higher‑tier software option because it matches existing functionality and would include records migration; quotes included a range of options. He also flagged recent major repairs (tanker structural welding, fuel tank replacement, valve failures) that drove unanticipated expenses during the prior year. The department budget includes funding requests for those repairs and for anticipated fleet maintenance.

On personnel, the chief proposed revisiting pay grades for firefighters to bring them in line with comparable DPW hires and to help with recruitment and retention; the board noted such a change would need review by the town administrator and the advisory committee. Board members agreed staff should examine parity across public‑safety and public‑works roles and noted promises or expectations made during past hiring should be honored if documented. The chief also requested a rate increase for the department clerk and discussed the department’s MSQA/EMS reporting responsibilities.

The board did not approve budget line items at the meeting; members asked the chief and staff to coordinate with the town administrator and advisory committee on the proposed grade changes and to return with documentation about prior promises, recruitment risk and comparables for step/grade alignment.