For the full wording of the Article, see this link: Link to the Warrant as Amended following Deliberative Session
What it means: In 2019, voters approved $200,000 for a new Capital Reserve Fund for the replacement of Firefighter’s Protective Gear. This fund needs to be added to regularly, so that as gear is replaced using money withdrawn from the fund, additional funds will be available for future needs. This Article would transfer the funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance to the Turnout Gear Reserve Fund.
Those in favor say: This is an annual procedure to keep our Firefighters safe. A single set of firefighting gear costs upwards of $6,000. There are strict standards with regard to the amount of service before the gear must be replaced, and that has meant 4-5 new sets of equipment each year. To cover this expense, a reserve fund was established and needs to be regularly replenished. This Article allows funds to be taken from the Unassigned Fund Balance for the replenishment. The value of the fund at the end of 2024 was just over $130,000. Since it started with $200,000, it is clear that need for funding is stronger than the annual donations. In the future, the contribution to the Turn Out Gear Fund may need to be increased.
Those Opposed Say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.
Fiscal impact: There is no new tax impact in 2025. This Article is allowing the transfer of funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance to the previously-established Firefighter Turnout Gear Reserve Fund.
Note: To better understand the Unassigned Fund Balance, reference this article: About the Unassigned Fund Balance