Residents, officials press Selectboard to seek compensation for mutual-aid coverage from Fairlee

During public comment and department updates the Selectboard discussed mutual-aid arrangements with the Town of Fairlee. Chief Nate Brooks said Fairlee contacted Bradford to schedule a meeting about how to move forward and that Bradford has at times been the first to respond because Fairlee currently lacks volunteer capacity.

Members of the public, including Bob Wing, said Bradford should bill Fairlee for coverage and pressed the board to seek compensation. Kasey Taylor asked why Bradford taxpayers are paying for responses that appear to benefit another town and requested an update within days. The Selectboard did not adopt any immediate billing policy on Sept. 24 but acknowledged the issue and said staff would follow up with Fairlee.