Fire chief urges higher capital-reserve deposits to meet rising apparatus costs; $250,000 grant awarded for engine

Fire Chief Ben Sella and Capt. Derek Chouinard gave the committee a detailed review of fire apparatus needs and the capital-reserve-fund (CRF) strategy. Sella said build times for major apparatus remain long — engines 3–4 years, aerials about 5 years — and current prices have pushed many units above $1,000,000.

Sella reported an awarded $250,000 grant toward a replacement engine and explained the mechanics of receiving that revenue: the town must dispose of the old vehicle per grant terms before reimbursement is available and the funds would enter the general fund and then, if approved by voters at town meeting, be moved into the CRF. "We actually, have been awarded $250,000 grant, for that engine," he said, adding that grant terms require disposal by cutting the frame.

To maintain solvency for forecasted purchases (notably a tower replacement in 2030 and tanker in 2032), Sella presented planning charts and asked the committee to consider increasing the town's annual CRF deposit; he showed last year’s deposit at $350,000 and illustrated how raising the deposit (presented as $4.50 in the chart) would better position the town to meet future large purchases without spiking the annual operating budget.

Sella also proposed a $45,000 study in 2028 to evaluate the life-extension needs and priority repairs for Station 2 (Bernardville), which he called structurally and electrically dated and unsuited for continuous 24-hour occupancy in its current condition. The department emphasized seeking grants where possible for SCBA and large apparatus replacements, and said they have reduced wear on some units through targeted maintenance to extend service life.

Committee members asked about grant timing, insurance coverage for older units, and trade-in/disposal logistics; Sella said staff will continue to pursue grants and update the CRF planning charts ahead of warrant-article season.