Equipment improvements, vehicle replacement, and salaries are the big ticket items included in Fire District No. 3’s $3 million budget for 2018, yet the budget is about $175,000 under last year's $3.2 million budget.

On Monday, May 1, voters will be asked to approve the items at the district’s annual meeting. Funding will support $91,772 worth of equipment — such as a hose and nozzle for a new fire engine, a dryer for fire gear, new thermal cameras, and new radios for fire vehicles and personnel, but is expected to come from surplus revenue.

"We spend a lot of money on fire equipment, and want to make sure we take care of it," said Chief Richard Arruda. "Right now we currently wash the gear, but have to leave it out to dry."

The new radios will ensure everyone on the scene of a fire is able to communicate, Arruda explained, and the new hose and nozzles are needed for a new fire engine the district recently purchased.

The district is also continuing to fund the Vehicle Replacement Program. Every year, the district sets aside money for future equipment purchases. This helps the department avoid larger budget requests. Last year, the district purchased a new fire engine through the program.

The budget also includes $1.15 million for personnel compensation. While the district hired four full-time firefighters earlier this year, Arruda anticipates staffing levels for the upcoming fiscal year to remain the same.

Also on the budget is $152,000 for expenses such as fire equipment, uniforms, fire prevention and investigation, and vehicle repair. The district also hopes to pay $1.4 million toward bond payments, employment and retirement benefits, and building costs from its general fund.

District residents can weigh in on the budget by voting via a show of hands at 7 p.m. at the 140 Cross Road station headquarters.