Finance committee approves $15,000 reserve transfer for fire department

The joint finance committee on the evening’s agenda approved a $15,000 reserve‑fund transfer to cover near‑term needs in the fire department, including replacement protective gear and radio batteries.

Sharon introduced the request, saying the department asked to increase the transfer request from earlier figures to $15,000 to avoid a year‑end deficit, and that the full amount “probably won’t be needed” once final invoices are settled. Committee members questioned the amount and noted offsetting grant and ambulance‑billing revenue: staff reported roughly $100,000 in additional ambulance‑reimbursement revenue through May but cautioned there can be a 12–18 month lag in billing reconciliation.

Emily moved to approve the transfer “as presented”; the motion was seconded and approved by a show‑of‑hands. The committee’s meeting record in the transcript does not include a detailed roll‑call vote tally, only a chair acknowledgement that the motion passed. Staff said they would return any unused balance to general reserves per municipal practice.

Next steps: the transfer will be processed through town finance in accordance with the finance committee’s approval. The meeting then continued into a longer presentation on FY28 budget and override options.