Fire Committee Minutes 5-4-2023

Fire Committee Minutes 5-4-2023

RUTLAND TOWN SELECT BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING

FIRE COMMITTEE

THURSDAY MAY 4^th, 2023

The Fire Committee of the Rutland Town Select Board met at 4:15 PM on Thursday May 4^th, 2023, at the Municipal Town Hall. Present was Select Board Chair Mary Ashcroft, Select Board Member Sharon Russell, Town Fire Chief Chris Clark, Town Assistant Fire Chief Mike Carlson, and Town Administrator Bill Sweet.

1. The committee discussed the money being deposited into the depreciation account. $56,000 goes into the account with each tax payment, $168,000 annually.
   2. The next truck is due for replacement in 6 years, which is Engine 2.
   3. With the rising cost of trucks, the deposits into the account may not cover the cost of the next truck.
   4. Adjustments need to be approved by voters.
   5. The number of trucks the department has gives a positive impact on insurance rates.
   6. A recommendation will be brought to the committee at a future meeting on changing the contributions to the depreciation account. The last time it was adjusted was in 2001.
2. Discussed daytime response improvement.
   1. The funds allocated to reimburse members for their daytime responses has helped.
   2. The line will be over budget for the year.
3. Discussed the Public Safety Building Project.
   1. The recent open house had many town residents there and they asked good questions.
   2. Ballots are already being turned in.
   3. Another open house is planned for May 13^th.
4. Reviewed the balance of budget items which are over, or close to over.
   1. Some lines are over, but the budget is expected to be under overall.
5. Discussed the hourly rate for administrative or special duties paid to the members.
   14. The current base rate is $14.66. Most departments have hourly rates between $25 and $35 per hour.
   15. A recommendation will be brought to the committee for rate changes.

The meeting adjourned at 5:03 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Sweet