By Susan MacEachron

A 30-year-old fire truck and a 40-year-old elevator motor, both in need of replacement, were the focus at the Board of Finance meeting on Nov. 18. First Assistant Fire Chief Matt Ludwig said a new pumper truck would cost approximately $1.1 million. Botelle Superintendent Kevin Case said a new elevator motor could cost up to $50,000.

Setting the stage for the pumper truck discussion, Ludwig provided background on the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department personnel, equipment and operations. Ludwig said the department has 55 active volunteers, with 16 members certified to enter a burning building and 23 certified for exterior firefighting. The department has 12 support staff and four fire cadets, ages 14 to 18 years old. The NVFD responded to 222 calls during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The current year budget is $132,400.

Second Assistant Fire Chief Steven Hutchins described the options for replacing one of the three pumper trucks. Norfolk’s oldest truck was purchased in 1995 and partially refurbished in 2014. Hutchins said a pumper truck lifespan is typically 25 years. So, Engine 30, as it’s known, is near the end of the road.
Hutchins said the cost to purchase a new truck is approximately $1.1 million with delivery in two to three years. To refurbish the 30-year-old truck would require a new chassis, cost approximately 75 to 80 percent of the price of a new truck and the pumper would be out of service for approximately two years. In addition, the NVFD would need to find a pumper to borrow or rent for the interim.

There is a secondary market for used firetrucks which Hutchins noted has the advantage of being less expensive and immediately available. However, he said buying a used truck in 2026 would put it on the same timeline for aging out as Engine 40, bought in 2009. The NVFD has tried to manage pumper truck replacements so that the significant investment in new trucks is spaced about 10 years apart.
Ludwig and Hutchins said that a dedicated capital replacement or sinking fund in the town budget would be a helpful way to reduce the volatility of the NVFD’s need for major capital investments. BOF Chair Michael Sconyers commended the NVFD members for an excellent job administering the department in addition to firefighting.

Superintendent Case told the BoF that the 40-year-old motor in the Botelle School elevator has broken down. The elevator was out of service for the school’s Veterans’ Day celebration. Case highlighted the assistance provided by members of the fire department and ambulance in helping veterans navigate the building without the elevator. He estimated that the cost of a new motor could be as high as $50,000.
Norfolk Treasurer, Chelsea DeWitt, presented the first financial update for the current fiscal year from the new financial accounting software and said she was close to having a full report. She also noted she is working to provide a review of Norfolk’s outstanding debt as requested by BoF member Myron Kwast. Sconyers said the BoF would spend time reviewing the year-to-date spending versus the budget at the January meeting. Sconyers expressed his appreciation for all of DeWitt’s long hours at town hall during the transition to a new accounting system, including a recent night where she headed home at 2:15 a.m.