Adams Fire District Meeting Approves Full-Time Paid Chief
ADAMS, Mass. — A special meeting of the Fire District overwhelmingly passed making the fire chief and clerk/treasurer appointed positions on Thursday evening.
More than 50 registered voters experienced déjà vu as they rehashed the requests to make the fire engineer and clerk/treasurer positions appointed during a meeting that lasted half and hour.
These votes will have to be confirmed at a future election.
In previous district meetings, changing the fire chief position to a paid, full-time, appointed role was controversial. Article 2 passed with a large majority in favor at the meeting, as it has in the past. However, it's failed narrowly on ballot votes.
Voter Catherine Foster said this change is long overdue, especially now that current Fire Chief John Pansecchi has announced his retirement effective May, after nine years as chief and 40 years with the department.
Following questions from voters, it was explained that the pay scale for the 40-hour position will be based on qualifications and will range between $75,000 to $111,000, not including benefits.
Based on benefits for other town employees, benefits will cost an additional of about $40,000 to $50,000.
Through the stipend, Pansecchi is getting paid roughly $30,000.
Over the past five years, the position's responsibilities and hours have increased significantly, making it nearly a full-time role on top of his existing full-time job.
"It's just expected in fire departments but I don't really know anyone else that volunteers to work [go to work,]" Foster said.
Voter Dave Lennon said that the pool of local candidates willing to be elected into the role is diminishing.
The volunteer Fire Department currently has five fire engineers, three lieutenants, 19 members, five apprentices, and one part-time firefighter. Pansecchi reported that calls have increased, combined with the department's aging and decreasing membership.
Back in 2021, the district had a study done that recommended a full-time chief and that it should begin to build and support a transition from stipend to paid full time. The Prudential Committee members said they back this proposal and believe it is necessary for a productive future with the Fire Department.
Voters also substantially approved changing the district's clerk/treasurer position from elected to appointed, ensuring these roles are filled by individuals with the necessary qualifications. This decision came following no discussion.
With these decisions, the officials now will be appointed by the Prudential Committee based on expertise and will be required to have a medical exam and drug and criminal background check. The appointed officials will report directly to the Prudential Committee.
The remaining articles requesting funds for projects and equipment all passed. Articles 3,4, and 6, which requested funds for projects and equipment, passed with no discussion and Article 5 was amended.
Voters authorized appropriating $15,560 from surplus revenue for the purchase of a tank mixer for the East Orchard Terrace water tank; passing Article 3.
The new mixer would replace the current aging one and be installed per state regulations.
Voters approved Article 4 and its companion, Article 5, both related to the Park Street Bridge projects. However, Article 5 was amended to specify that the water department will continue pursuing alternative funding sources. If successful, the amount withdrawn from reserves will be reduced accordingly.
With these decisions, the town will appropriate $10,000 from surplus revenue for engineering work on the Park Street Bridge and $85,000 for installing its structural brackets. This funding covers installation, materials, and all associated project costs.
A recent inspection by the state Department of Transportation revealed that eight of the 11 utility brackets supporting the district's 14-inch water main beneath the bridge are deficient.
Voters also approved Article 6, appropriating $2,500 for a hydraulic model for MassDOT's Cook Street bridge project.
The model will be generated and utilized to ensure adequate fire protection coverage for that area while the water line is taken out of service to repair the Cook Street Bridge.
Editor's note: this article has been revised to clarify that changing the positions requires ballot votes.
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