Budget Committee Meeting, November 14, 2024
Fire Department Structure and Staffing
Most of the meeting was focused on reviewing the proposed budgets of the various departments. This was largely duplicative with the presentations made to the Board of Selectmen. However, some important additional information about the Fire Department was discussed.
Fire Chief Matt Curry reported that the Fire Department has received no applicants for the open positions it has been advertising. Neighboring towns have been poaching the town’s per diem employees by offering higher wages, typically $5/hr or more.
Town Administrator Ellen White discussed the Chief’s pay. Having Curry take the role is “not a permanent solution,” she said. There needs to be more managerial time with the staff. Getting a qualified manager into that role, even on a part-time basis, would cost much more than the stipend presently budgeted for.
Regarding the department’s staffing, Curry said, “You need more than six full time to run 24/7. So all this talk in town that we voted for 24/7 years ago was wrong. It was voted for 24/6. Sunday was always left vacant, covered by part-time or per diem help. So, we’re trying to cover 24/7 with five guys, four guys, and per diem help…. They need direction….. That’s why we can’t keep people….. Too much freedom.”
The committee discussed the need for a warrant article to change the structure of the Fire Department.
Watch the video:
At what point do we, who pay the bills, have a right to expect a FULL accounting of all co$t$ associated with "l'Affaire Vilchock?" This was promised to us in a board meeting well over a year ago. That's the 'simple' part.
The human cost; the cost in morale; the admitted dysfunction; the damage done to the reputations of the town, the department and the Vilchocks - these cannot be measured.
One is inclined to wonder whether a problem was solved, or one was created. And - what have we, the residents of town, done to deserve this?
And, Skip, in response to your final question - "Not I", said the little red hen.
I found this statement interesting! "So all this talk in town that we voted for 24/7 years ago was wrong. It was voted for 24/6. Sunday was always left vacant, covered by part-time or per diem help." The presentation to Townspeople was 24/7 coverage. It was never indicated by what level of coverage would be provided. As the statement indicates "Sunday was always left vacant, COVERED BY PART-TIME OT PER DIEM HELP. Sounds like the shifts were covered to me!!! For those that don't know, the Sunday shift was typically covered by Chief Vilchock and Lieutenant Vilchock. Now after termination, this shift is apparently not filled. Again, please explain the value in termination!!!