Fire chief: station renovations facing cost pressure; board urged to plan for potential voter action

Fire Chief John Sullivan presented the Fire Department’s FY25 priorities and highlighted the multi-station renovation program approved by voters under a debt-exclusion framework. He told the board that detailed design work has revealed higher costs than initial estimates: Station 4 is approximately 18% over its original projected budget and Station 1 about 2% over. Chief Sullivan said the architects and building staff are confident the first four projects can be completed within the voter-authorized allocation of $65 million, but the fifth project may require additional funding when it is reached.

Members pressed Sullivan on what’s driving the overages; he cited higher construction costs, prevailing wages and electrification/"fossil-fuel-free" design options. He also outlined operational needs including maintaining staffing levels, the acquisition and deployment of two new engines, FCC approval of a second radio frequency, and the department’s effort to seek SAFER grant funding for command technicians and potential ladder-company staffing to improve South Brookline response times.

Board members asked for a clearer dollar estimate for any possible future funding request and for further analysis on the cost implications of electrification choices. Deputy town staff said the department will work with DOR and town counsel if allocation or scope decisions trigger a need for additional voter-level approvals.