LEYDEN — An informational meeting on a proposal to close the Leyden Fire Department and use Greenfield’s instead will be held Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in Town Hall. Another is scheduled April 8, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Selectman Jeff Neipp will be there to explain the Greenfield proposal. Greenfield Fire Chief Robert Strahan will likely be there to help answer questions, Neipp said.
Basically what’s on the table is that Greenfield would provide fire coverage and inspection services to Leyden for $40,000 a year. Greenfield would get Leyden’s two fire trucks in exchange for a $14,000 discount for the first seven years.
The Selectboard support the proposal. Neipp said that residents he’s talked to have favored it.
Some members of Leyden’s volunteer fire department aren’t sold, particularly Officer in Charge Brian Pelletier, who is effectively serving as chief since the resignation of Matt Muka this past fall.
Pelletier said he’ll be at the meetings too.
The contract will likely be on the Greenfield City Council’s agenda for April 17. On Leyden’s side, funding has to be worked into the omnibus budget, which is approved by residents at Annual Town Meeting.
If Greenfield approves the deal, Neipp said the Selectboard will sign it after Town Meeting. The agreement would then go into effect on July 1.