ADAMS, Mass. — The Fire District is now eyeing a total budget of $3,633,690.73, a 26 percent increase from this year. 

 

Although this increase is more than double the previously reported anticipated amount of $3,159,077.78, a 9.67 percent increase, the amount through taxation remains unchanged as the total will include a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant. 

 

The proposed budget would still raise the district tax rate by 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, resulting in a new rate of $1.17, however, the exact amount will not be known until the town determines on property valuations in the fall.

 

The total amount is up by $753,090 over this year's $2,880,601.

 

If the budget is passed as is, the overall FY27 tax increase for a single-family home will be $73.15 per year, or $6.10 per month.

 

The recent change in the budget adds a request to the annual meeting warrant to authorize the Prudential Committee to apply for and receive $645,000 in funding through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant. 

 

The district will be responsible for a 25 percent contribution of $53,534.26. The grant will fund two full-time firefighters, if received.