Fire District 2 residents have unanimously approved a $908,691 budget for the upcoming fiscal year following a socially distanced annual meeting on May 10.

Included in the budget is higher compensation for district officials and firefighters, as well as general expenses and operational expenses, and money for a new SUV for the chief.

While it is nearly a $96,301 increase from 2020, Fire Chief Tim Andre noted that many of the raises are “normal raises like anyone gets.” 

“It’s in the contract for me,” he said. “Plus the employees get a raise like any other department does.”

With the district’s approval, the chief will see a $2,853 bump in pay for the upcoming fiscal year. 

The most significant pay raise will be for the district’s deputy chief. The department previously appropriated $6,000 for the part-time position, but the deputy chief will now make $35,000.

According to Andre, this would be a way to incentivize someone with more experience to take and keep the position.

“I can’t find anyone to do it for $6,000,” he said.

Voters also approved $16,000 for new equipment — up $1,000 from FY21.

Andre said this would mostly go toward getting his district to “catch up with new standards” from OSHA and get backup turnout gear for his crews.

“Basic stuff like that,” he said. “That way if their gear’s getting washed, they’ll have extra to put on.” 

The budget also appropriated $80,000 for the district to purchase a new SUV for the chief. 

Andre said officials want to make sure they can purchase a vehicle as soon as one becomes available.

“The way the economy is right now, there’s a shortage of new vehicles,” he said. “If we’re unable to get one, we have the money to pull the trigger once we can.”