DALTON, Mass. — Michael Kubicki says his priorities if re-elected to the Board of Water Commissioners are to ensure the fire and life safety of the Fire District and make sure the district goes in the direction the members want. 

 

Kubicki has been serving on the board since 2009 and is seeking a sixth three-year term. He is being challenged by former firefighter Ken Sagendorf in the May 14 election. 

 

He said he has seen many changes and tribulations, including the hiring of a new fire chief, the Fire District assuming responsibility for the ambulance, and navigating a pandemic. 

 

He emphasized the need to ensure the district is funded properly with a little bit of excess so it can rebuild its free cash and set aside money for future needs or capital items, such as vehicle replacements. 

 

Over the last few years, the district has been stringently budgeting to take the burden of the taxpayers during the pandemic and was using free cash to cover shortfalls. The commissioners say the proposed fiscal 2025 budget will more adequately cover costs. 

 

"We know what we need to operate. We assume we have, based off of the calls we have. As those calls go up, it costs us more to provide that service. So, we've got a little bit of flexibility in that budget for that," Kubicki said.