FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Finance Committee met Saturday, March 4 at the Town Hall. The Committee members John D’Alessandro, Allen Carlow, Sue McGrath, Thomas Marshall and John Tynan were in attendance. John Tynan was elected as the Chair. Thomas Marshall was elected as the secretary. The Select Board was represented by Emile Mazur. Don Phinney attended as an observer.
Fire Chief Kevin Krutiak and fireman Corey McGrath presented their proposal for the Fire Department Budget. Chief Krutiak stated increases were the result of the actual economy increases. The Fire Department applies for grants to take the burden off the town; but there are purchases that grants don’t cover. The fire department has ladders that are over 25 years old and need to be replaced.
Points that Chief Krutiak brought before the Finance Committee:
The engines are required to be tested every three years to receive certification. Oil is changed once a year. If used more during the year, maybe twice. General maintenance is determined by hours used. Trucks deteriorate with less usage. Every four years, brakes need replacement. Brakes are not replaced all at once but per axle. Goal is to replace 2 tires per year. Since Savoy has a Volunteer Fire Department, tire prices are decent. Supplies are needed for general body repair on trucks. Air pack bottle testing is due.
Mr. D’Alessandro asked what was the status of the tires; number of tires needed to be replaced? Mr. Krutiak responded one truck needs eight tires costing approximately $3200.
Mr. Marshall requested Mr. Krutiak come up with a priority list for the department. He, also, requested the department come up with a 5-year plan. Where does the department want to be in five years?
Chief Krutiak said the department received $12,000 from Homeland Security. The grant is specific as to what items can be purchased.
There was a discussion about the use of foam versus water. Chief Krutiak said 500 gallons of foam reacts on fires as 900 gallons of water; water cools fires, foam smothers fires.
There is a need for one suit of turnout gear at a cost of $2100. Each suit is fitted for the individual. An ‘extraction coat’ is needed for use by EMT responding to auto accidents.
The department has a ‘Fire Prevention Grant’. The grant will be used to purchase kits to educate the children in the Savoy School about fire prevention.
Chief Krutiak has more paperwork to complete. Grants require every purchase be tracked, as well as the status of current equipment. The Fire Department is applying for grants for a majority of their equipment. Chief Krutiak stated getting a grant to update trucks was limited. Grants are based on the number of runs and population. Savoy like most small towns do not meet the minimum requirements.
There was an overwhelming agreement the safety of the fire department personnel was their first priority in setting the list of items needed to update outdated equipment.
Mr. Marshall said he has no problem going over 2 ½ to get the town where it needs to go.
Mr. Carlow said the town takes in just so much money. Priorities have to be set for the town; direct how money is dispersed.
Mrs. McGrath pointed out the town is living on what is being taken in. She said money comes in the form of taxes, from the State (Cherry Sheet), and fees. The next Finance Committee Meeting is scheduled for March 18 at 10 AM. by Brenda Smith