THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2022 Page 5 The FY 2023 Budget Fire Chief Newbury outlines the key features of his proposed Saugus Fire Department spending plan By Mark E. Vogler he Saugus Fire Department’s aging Ladder 1 truck has already run up a $33,000 repair in the current fi scal year (2022), which ends on June 30. That’s more than half of the department’s mechanic budget for the year, which has already incurred a $2,713 overrun with about T three and a half months left. “That’s the biggest repair I had to deal with as chief,” Saugus Fire Chief Michael C. Newbury told the Finance Committee at Wednesday (March 16) night’s meeting as he briefed committee members on the current fi scal year and his proposed budget for the 2023 Fiscal Year. “It’s nothing to do with abuse …. It’s 15 years later,” the chief said. The purchase of a new ladder truck – which has been estimated by Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree to cost something “north of $1.7 million – is one of several key issues that the chief addressed in his FY 2023 budget proposal booklet presented to Finance Committee members at Wednesday night’s meeting. “Ladder 1 has gone through several major repairs in recent years, including an engine rebuild,” Chief Newbury wrote in a memo to the Finance Committee related to his FY2023 Capital Improvements Requests. “It is the opinion of our Department Mechanic and outside vendors that a replacement should be a priority for the Town. The current ladder truck would be kept as a reserve,” the chief wrote. Other key issues outlined in the chief’s budget booklet include: * Focusing on maintaining an aging fl eet of department vehicles * Addressing facility repairs at both stations, including a capital investment in apparatus bay doors to replace the failing ones currently installed. The chief noted that the Fire Department facilities at both stations need general upkeep and upgrades to maintain operational readiness. “At Central Station the apparatus bay doors are at the end of their useful life. The phone system also needs attention as the organizational structure of the Department has changed,” Chief Newbury said. “Administrative parking could use additions next to the current spots for the Chief offi cers. Essex Street needs upgrades to its communications and the addition of a central climate control system which has been discussed with Facilities. Both stations need general maintenance,” the chief said. In addition, the Fire Department is considering an upes rise, the Melrose Police Department would like to make residents aware of steps they can take to prevent thefts of gasoline from their cars. Thieves may siphon gas, or damage the tank and leave the owner with a large repair bill. Melrose Police have received no such reports, but wish to make the public aware of an increase in thefts nationally. The Department off ers the following safety tips from the American Automobile Association. When you are home • Lock your car doors; this will lock the fuel door • Consider installing a locking gas cap • Do not leave your vehicle running and unattended • Park in a garage or driveway, if possible • Position your car so that the fuel door faces the road, if possible When you are out in public • Park in well-lit areas • If you park in a public gaA BUDGET BRIEFING: Saugus Fire Chief Michael C. Newbury (center) explains his budget to the Finance Committee. At right is Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) grade of existing technology resources. Chief Newbury said an online payment portal would improve the process of collecting fees and invoicing. “We would also like to upgrade the technology in the joining Training Room at Central Station to meet the demands of online and virtual training sessions while enhancing in person trainings,” the chief said. Two thirds (3,263) of the Fire Department’s 4,931 total responses for the 2021 Fiscal Year, which ended on June 30 of last year, involved Emergency Medical Services/Rescue runs. Three percent – or 134 – of the runs involved a response to fi res. False alarms totaled 618 – 13 percent – of the total responses, according to the report presented to the Finance Committee. False alarms have been as high as 900 in previous years, according to Chief Newbury. Police Department Shares Tips to Prevent Gasoline Thefts MELROSE – As energy pricrage, park near an exit or elevator where foot traffi c is high • Do not park in public lots for extended periods, especially if lots are not attended. For example, if you are fl ying, have a family member or friend take you to the airport, or use a shuttle service. Signs you may be a victim • You smell gas as you approach your vehicle • You see a puddle near the fuel tank • You notice scratch marks near the fuel tank door • Your car does not start • Your car starts, but the gauge shows low fuel • The “check engine” light is on The Department asks residents to be aware of their surroundings, and to call 9-11 if they see suspicious behavior in their neighborhood, such as someone they do not know acting strangely around parked cars. $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ GET YOUR VEHICLE SPRING READY! 2006 CHRYSLER 300 2015 HYUNDAI TUSCON $39.95 TRADES WELCOME! $7,495 Easy Financing Available! PRICE REDUCED! (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com For Your Vehicle! $13,900 We Pay Cash
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