The Marion Finance Committee met on Wednesday, March 5, for various discussions with town officials regarding the FY26 budget. Following the approval of minutes from February 26, talks with Fire Chief Brian Jackvony began.
Chief Jacknovy discussed the fire department’s budget propositions and the increases, like other departments, stemming from software and equipment upgrades. The chief did state “we’re trying to keep expenses under control” though he did mention some line items have ticked up. For some statistics, he mentioned emergency calls have risen to 1,486 for the previous year, of which around 1000 were medical-related or EMS. Revenue from ambulances, as reported between June 30, 2023, to July 1, 2024, was around $457,000, per the chief. With the Select Board, it was discussed that rates may need to rise, “most of our transports are capped by Medicaid or Medicare, but the private payers, we can set that rate – and right now we’re average or slightly below average with our rates.” The chief then added if someone is suffering financial hardship, they can contact the Town Administrator who has the authority to abate those bills or work out payment plans.
Other financial plans for the fire department were discussed for increased revenue, such as charging for home-vaccinations, charging for false alarms, and looking into Tabor’s use of town utilities to seek compensation.
Police Chief Richard Nighelli spoke next, beginning, following the request of the board, with a discussion on the department’s policing needs. The chief stated their biggest concern is employee retention. “Retention is always an issue,” he said. “someone can walk in my door and give me a two-week notice, and it takes me about a year to fill the position.” Sick-time and vacation day absences are filled by other employees using overtime. With the increase in police reform programs, the chief said, increases in unforeseen costs have increased. The chief also stated that the need to “bring everyone to the same level” in terms of training has lost the department much of its part-time working staff.
Finally, was Harbormaster Adam Murphy who recently started in June 2023. Due to the loss of two full-time officers, part-time workers have filled in much of the work. Murphy explained the hunt for workers is difficult, saying “one, you have to be a police officer, and the other part is, you have to know how to run a boat.” Knowing the shoreline and water features is also crucial, something the force loses with the loss of knowledgeable staff. A common problem found among both the Harbormaster and Police Departments is hiring.
The Finance Committee explained they will soon be meeting with Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. The next meeting of the Marion Finance Committee will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Town House Conference Room.
Marion Finance Committee
By Sam Bishop