Council discusses fire-department spending and decides to proceed with July 4 plans with safety caveats

Councilors reviewed the fire department's budget and operations June 18, pressing for clearer line-item spending and receipts while recognizing the department's operational demands. The fire chief described equipment needs and noted some items were reconditioned but may soon need replacement.

Council asked the chief to provide a proposed line-item budget for purchases above an agreed threshold and to submit receipts for prior expenditures. Members discussed painting and marking fire hydrants (reflective poles, repainting) and the possibility of using volunteer labor to reduce costs.

Council then discussed plans for July 4: parade times, a town-provided dinner and fireworks sponsorships were confirmed. The fire department cautioned that conditions are dry; council members agreed to proceed but to postpone or cancel the fireworks if weather or fire risk becomes unacceptable. The council emphasized having personnel and equipment on site and taking precautions such as wetting burn areas where fireworks will be staged.

Next steps: fire chief to provide line-item proposed budget and receipts; council to coordinate volunteer labor and paint purchases and to finalize contingency plans for fireworks based on weather.