Select Board Meeting Minutes 04/09/25
Select Board meeting minutes
Date: 04/09/25
Location: Monterey Fire Station and remote
Select Board members present: Justin Makuc (Chair), Susan Cooper, Frank Abbott
Others present: Roger MacDonald (Town Administrator), many members of the public
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm.
Overview and briefing on the proposed Fire Department budget and Staffing
Susan Cooper opened the meeting and explained, with the help of a slideshow, the proposed transition to a full-time professional Fire Department.
Volunteer Shortage & Staffing Challenges
The number of active volunteer firefighters is in decline, with only 13 out of 20 on the roster currently active, and just 6 available during the day. This shortage is exacerbated by aging volunteers, many of whom are nearing retirement. The Town is struggling to meet emergency response needs, especially with rising emergency calls (fire, medical, false alarms), creating strain on the limited workforce.
Paid Staffing Proposal
To address the staffing challenges, Monterey is considering hiring full-time firefighter/EMTs (Chief, Deputy Chief, and a Fire Captain with EMS experience) to provide 24/7 coverage. The shift program currently in place (covering nights) is insufficient for all emergency response needs. Per diem staff would also support daytime and weekend coverage. Volunteers will remain essential, particularly for safely rolling trucks during emergencies.
Regional Collaboration & Shared Services
Other neighboring towns are exploring or have begun paid staffing (Egremont) and regional EMS services (Stockbridge & West Stockbridge). It may be helpful for regionalization efforts for Monterey to demonstrate its commitment by funding its staffing plan. Future goals include shared services, pooling staff, and aligning command structures, though political and logistical barriers exist.
EMS Service Expansion
Expanding to EMS services requires multi-year planning, equipment upgrades, and state certifications. Potential partnerships with Otis’ EMS service are under exploration, though legal and logistical issues complicate the collaboration. Future EMS operations may generate revenue through billing but would also introduce additional administrative demands.
Financial & Tax Implications
Cost of Transition: The proposed FY26 fire budget would increase by $437,000, largely for personnel and health insurance costs.
Override Proposal: To fund these changes, the town is seeking a Proposition 2½ override of about $1 million to build long-term taxing capacity, not just cover this year’s projected shortfall of around $100,000.
Tax Impact: The proposed override would raise property taxes by approximately $1.52 per $1,000 of property value (e.g., $1,000/year for a $500,000 home) according to the Department of Local Services Property Tax Impact Calculator, should the entire amount be used. Should the Fire Department staffing proposal be passed, it would result in a 60 cent per $1,000 of property value increase in the FY 2026 tax year.
Public Safety Risks
Without a functioning fire department, residents could face significantly higher insurance premiums or difficulty securing mortgages due to poor fire protection ratings. The lack of local fire services could lead to response times stretching to 20–40 minutes, greatly increasing risks to life and property.
Recruitment & Volunteer Efforts
Efforts to recruit new volunteers are ongoing, but national trends show a decline in willingness to join volunteer organizations. The department has attracted some younger people through paid shift opportunities and mentorship. There’s growing awareness that modern youth face financial pressures that make volunteering without compensation less appealing.
Proposition 2½ Override
Steve Pullen explained that Proposition 2½ limits how much towns can increase property taxes each year. However, towns can request an override to exceed this levy limit for specific needs. The Town is proposing a significantly larger override of about $1 million to support a new, full-time fire department and future growth, similar to past overrides (1990, 2006, 2016), but larger in scale.
Public comment & questions
Many residents understand the need for improved emergency services but are concerned about affordability and rising taxes. Some fear that long-time residents on fixed incomes may be pushed out due to the rising cost of living. Volunteers and board members were thanked for their dedication, though there is visible emotional exhaustion and tension regarding tough trade-offs.
Meeting adjourned at 8:04pm.
Documents used at the meeting:
- Fire Department presentation and handout
Minutes drafted by: Justin Makuc
Minutes approved by: Select Board