Thorndike trims fire protection request after debate on staffing and regionalization

The Town of Thorndike debated its requested $50,000 appropriation for Fire Protection Services at the annual meeting, with residents raising concerns about staffing levels and recurring equipment costs.

Resident Jeff Trafton told the meeting the department was not operating “up to potential,” pointing to a lack of members and questions about whether current purchases are necessary. Bud Tibbets argued for maintaining a local fire department and described changes in service needs over time. In response to concerns about costs and staffing, a motion to amend the article reduced the requested appropriation from $50,000 to $35,000; the amended figure passed and was recorded as the approved appropriation.

Separately, voters approved depositing $25,000 into the Fire Truck Replacement Fund. An amendment proposing a $20,000 deposit failed and the article passed as presented. Select Board members and town residents discussed regionalization as a potential longer-term option but made no formal decision to pursue it at the meeting.

The meeting record also authorizes the Select Board to direct mutual-aid contract proceeds into the truck-replacement savings account as a separate housekeeping article.