The Turners Falls Fire Department wants residents to be aware that the department feels they are understaffed due to declining enrollment in the call force. It is felt that this problem puts residents at a greater risk. The proposed solution: increase membership in the full-time force. What will it take to hatch this plan? Money. Lots of money. Other people’s money.
It appears taxpayer wallets will be also be at risk. What’s the wise approach when looking down the barrel of a huge financial hit? Inventory your assets. In Montague this is impossible. Montague has two separate and not exactly co-operating fire departments.
Finding out what’s available to work with. That would be a no. Seems the town of Montague is “blessed” with a “system,” one that goes back a long time. The fire and water departments aren’t part of the town government. This not only costly and outdated it is unfair. Most town departments answer to the town meeting and are subject to the limits of Proposition 2½. Fire and water, guess what? Would it be possible to correct this? Sure.
Probably not easy or free however. So why not try? No reasons. Plenty of excuses. “Hard to get rid of an entrenched bureaucracy.” “Been this way a long time.” My favorite, “might hurt somebody’s feelings.” The “system” includes the building at 226 Millers Falls Road. What’s this building for? You can pay your water bill there. The only bill you can’t pay in the town hall. The ratepayers are going to be asked to fork over around $7,000 to put power doors on this building. The taxpayers already own such doors. They’re attached to the town hall. Why not pay water bills in the town hall and save a few grand?
I can imagine the excuses.
Steve Constantine
Millers Falls