The future of the New Ipswich Fire Department is on the ballot for March 14.
Of the town of New Ipswich’s 23 warrant articles, seven relate to the fire department. This includes the budget, which allows for the chief to hire a new firefighter midyear, and is down 2.2 percent relative to last year. It also includes Article IV, which allocates funds to existing capital reserves, including for fire protection equipment and fire trucks, among other things like road and building maintenance.
There is a warrant to purchase six sets of protective gear. It is the second year of a three-year plan. Half of the $24,000 cost will be from the reserve fund and half from taxpayers.
Next is for $12,000 for a new exhaust system in the department to protect employees from breathing toxic diesel fumes and make the building safer to use. The department of labor is not allowing the use of the second-floor offices until something like this is done.
Fifth, the department hopes to establish a revolving fund for money paid to it by details, which currently is going to the town general fund. The police department already has this in place.
The biggest monetary ask is to buy a new fire pumper engine for $475,000. Most of this will come from a reserve fund, and some help could come from grants. The article asks for up to $120,000.
Lastly, and it’s the last article on the ballot, is to allow creation of a new hiring committee with department members if the fire chief position becomes open.