KENT, Conn.—The total cost for fire and ambulance services have seen dramatic increases in recent years so officers of the Kent Volunteer Fire Department have met with the Board of Selectmen to explain the department’s the 2025-26 budget request.
The meeting was held Thursday, March 27.
Costs are incurred in three areas: an annual grant that first responders want to see boosted to $140,000 next year, up $20,000 or 16.67 percent; contracted EMS coverage currently in the budget at $400,000, up 25 percent; and paramedic services expected to cost $183,965 in 2025-26, up 19.32 percent.
Apparatus, perhaps the most expensive portion of operating a local fire department, is funded through the town’s five-year capital plan. In 2026, $200,000 is budgeted as an installment toward replacement of Rescue 8. An aggregate $900,000 will be budgeted in the next three years.
While the private company raises some of its own funds, First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer has expressed concern that the town invests more than $500,000 a year in the fire department without say over how the money is dispersed.
He recently proposed formation of a Collaborative Advisory Board between town officials and department leaders and that group meets monthly to review finances.
As with most volunteer companies in the region, providing 24/7 emergency coverage is difficult for the volunteer organization. The KVFD has a contract with Northeast Fire Rescue to provide Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to fill time slots when not enough volunteers are available.
“We are very pleased with their commitment and performance,” Fire Chief Alan Gawel told the selectmen. “If something comes up, their management team has been very responsive.”
Days are broken into four six-hour shifts, with two medical personnel needed for each ambulance shift. Thus, there are 56 time slots to cover each week, of which 25 are covered by paid personnel and 31 by local volunteers. Gawel and Larry Schenk, EMT recruitment and retention chairman, both cover four shifts a week, for example.
While the system ensures that the ambulance is ready to roll at all hours, it is expensive. Volunteers are given a $25 per shift stipend for covering shifts, as compared to an hourly rate of $41.50 for contracted personnel.
“We try everything we can to not call on the contractor,” said Gawel.
Still, the line item is underfunded in the budget this year. In 2024-25, only $320,000 was budgeted, but $400,000 is expected to be spent because a new contract was signed mid-year.
“Our budget projection is low,” Gawel admitted. “It is less than what we will need to finish the year. We’re working to see what can do to cut down.”
He said Ambulance Chief Mary Ann VanValkenburg and Assistant Chief Jean Speck have been looking at other models to deliver service in ways that might cost less money.
“We’re focusing on other alternatives,” he said, adding that the new contract started Sept. 1, but can be terminated with 60-days’ notice by either party.
Selectman Lynn Mellis Worthington asked about communication between the fire department and town hall. “Are you guys communicating with [Town Treasurer Barbara Herbst] when your numbers are up?” she asked.
Gawel admitted it was an “awkward situation” when the company had to report an anticipated $80,000 deficit in this year’s funding.
“We went to Marty and Barb and said, ‘This is where we are and want to be going forward.’ We asked for help and tried to figure the best way forward.”
“Going forward, that is a significant change,” Lindenmayer observed.
Worthington said that when thinking of new models, the department might consider having a paramedic as one of the town medical people on each run rather than a separate paramedic line item. “What would be the difference in the rate vs. a contracted EMT?” she asked. She noted that the jump from $154,000 to $183,965 for paramedics is “huge” for an average of 123 calls each year.
“It may not be financially feasible, but at least we should know,” she said.
She further asked if there had been discussions about regionalization of ambulance services.
“Everyone is hesitant about not having a transporting ambulance in their town,” Gawel responded.
Worthington asked if the issue of billing for ambulance transports has been worked out and was assured that a system of “checks and balances” is in place with a consequent increase in revenues from 178,000 in 2024 to an anticipated $200,000 this year.
Residents are billed for ambulance services, but if they are unable to pay the cost, a committee reviews the case and the bill can be waived. In general, bills go to the residents’ insurance companies first.
Speck said there is a “very long lag time” before insurance companies recompense the fire department.
As for the $20,000 increase in the town’s grant to the KVFD, Gawel agreed that everything from equipment to EMT expenses has increased in cost. But, he added, so have essential expenses such insurance, utilities, turn-out gear for volunteers and the like paid for from the company’s operations budget.
“We’re very fortunate that we are getting new members,” he said. “We had nine new members join in 2024, but the more people we get the more equipment we need. It costs $5,000 to purchase a set of turn-out gear. And then there is the cost of training—we now have to have training on electric cars. [Fighting a fire in an electric car] is different than a wooden building.”
