Fire District No. 2’s budget for fiscal year 2018 is currently set at $685,587, but that could be bumped up another $100,000 if residents decide to start padding a vehicle replacement fund. Other big ticket items include salaries and lingering renovation costs.

On Monday, May 8, voters will be asked to approve the items at the district’s annual meeting. Chief Tim Andre is seeking $100,000 to start a Vehicle Replacement Program, which would allow the department to save for future vehicle replacements.

“If we don’t start doing that, we’re going to have to go up dramatically in taxes,” said Andre via phone. According to the meeting agenda, the basis for starting the savings fund is for the future purpose of a new pumper, which can cost anywhere from $550,000 to $650,000.

The biggest financial chunk — $234,382 — will support salaries and other compensation for the chief and his 32-person team, if voters approve it. That includes an $87,029 salary for Andre; $18,617 for the deputy chief; $5,000 for the assistant deputy chief; a $54,590 salary for District No. 2’s only full-time firefighter; and $33,000 for the district’s 30 volunteer firefighters, who make $17-19 per hour, depending on experience. The total also includes uniform allowance for full-time staff, overtime, stipends for EMT certification, and training.

“If we don’t have the funding to keep up the equipment and training, it becomes a big liability on the department’s half,” said Andre.

Another $16,825 will go toward paying the Prudential Committee ($1,800 for each of the three members), district clerk and treasurer ($10,500), town assessors ($200 each for all three), town collector ($125), and moderator ($200).

The department will also ask voters to approve $146,900 to continue paying its 10-year loan for the $1.2 million renovation. The construction, started in 2012, included a new office for the chief, two new buildings, repavement for the parking lot, sidewalk, and new septic system.

Andre said not all of the $1.2 million budget was used, but that the remaining $130,000 has gone to building repairs and upgrades. Fixes include LED lighting for the older portions of the building, and a new Cascade System. The $38,750 system, on this year’s agenda although it will not draw from the tax levy, is a compressor that is used to fill the self-contained breathing apparatus.

The budget also includes $85,200 in operational expenses. This consists of $34,850 in vehicle repairs and maintenance — oil changes, alternators, and inspections stickers, said Andre; $14,500 in fire gear and uniforms; $21,000 for equipment such as hand saws; and $1,750 in prevention and community outreach.

"We don't have schools or daycares in our district, so I can't apply for educational grants," said Andre, explaining the prevention cost. He said that money helps fund the district's Open House, children's fire helmets and other handout material.

District residents can weigh in on the budget by voting via a show of hands at 7 p.m. at the 1100 Russells Mills Road station.

The 2017 budget totaled $676,121.65, said Andre.