Fire District Update

Post date: May 20, 2020 5:17:17 PM

You recall that the Districts home rule petition was signed by the Governor last July increasing the size of the Prudential committee to 5 members. The legislation also increased the term of the Moderator from 1 year to 3 years and changed the positions of Clerk and Treasurer from elected to appointed. I am pleased to announce that Sarah K Currie of 19 Woodlawn Drive, has been appointed as Clerk of the District and I have been appointed as Treasurer. I think most of you know Sarah in her roll as Director of the Williamstown Historical Museum. We are very happy to have Sarah on the team and I thank you in advance for assisting her in the transition. She is copied on this notice, so book mark her email for future reference.

We are scheduled to hold both our annual meeting and our annual election on Tuesday June 30, 2020 in the Gym at the Williamstown Elementary School. The polls will be open from 4pm to 7 pm and residents will be voting for a 3 year term on the Prudential Committee, (Incumbent, John Notsley is unopposed) and a 3 year term as Moderator (Incumbent Paul Harsch is unopposed). The annual meeting will follow the election a 7:30 pm. Social distancing will be practiced for both with a one-way traffic flow into and out of the gym. Masks will be required at all times, while in the school. This date has been confirmed by Superintendent Grady. Absentee ballots will be ready June 3rd and Sarah and I will coordinate with Nicole to ensure all those town residents that request a ballot by mail for the Town election, also receive one for the District election.

The District has hired a contractor to update and maintain our web site and this will be posted there but I would ask that this election/meeting information be disseminated thru the Town channels, as well.

The annual warrant will be voted on at the Prudential Committee's June 10th meeting and posted immediately thereafter. Although not final, the current draft seeks an appropriation of $568,865 which is about 2.25% Less than FY20.

The PC has voted to include an article seeking to transfer $380,000 from the stabilization fund for the purchase a new tanker truck. This truck is long over due in support the growing risks in the rural areas of Town. It was recommended in the recent feasibility study and should help the department improve its ISO rating, which in turn supports lower homeowners insurance rates. We will also seek to transfer, from free cash, an amount of $20,000 to continue the planning and design work on a new Fire station so that the District is prepared for grant funding opportunities, should they arise.

Thank you for your attention and, as always, questions, comments or suggestions are welcome.

Best Regards,

Cory

Corydon Thurston

Treasurer

Williamstown Fire District