BEMUS POINT – The Ellery Town Board meeting on Oct. 14 saw a majority of the fire departments within the town enter a public hearing to discuss upgrades and workload management that has been ongoing in the departments.

As a result of this, two fire departments requested, and were granted, an increase in funding from the previous contracts.

The Dewittville Fire Protection District opened with member Burl Swanson speaking on behalf of the department. Swanson noted that the department is gradually performing more efficiently within the district, and has seen staff moving up in ranking. Currently, the department has five paramedics and three EMTs. Swanson noted that two of these paramedics recently gained the title after moving up from ambulance crew. The department may also have additional financial needs soon, as the department was set to vote later that night on the purchase of a new fire truck, said Swanson. With this truck purchase Swanson noted that two other trucks will no longer be needed by the department. Swanson concluded by requesting a 2% increase to funding from the contract that was made last year. This would bring the total department funding to about $10,200. After a brief discussion, the board unanimously approved the request.

The Bemus Point Fire Protection District was also present with Randy Apperson speaking on behalf of the department. Apperson noted that the department has seen an increase in average call volume since last year. The department has received 200 calls so far this year, with the past average for the department ranging from 190-195, said Apperson. Apperson attributes this increase to additional mutual aid that the department has been providing. Apperson also stated that the department needed to replace turnout gear during this year, which has not been fully covered by a grant received by the department. There is also the purchase of a new water rescue boat. This is necessary because the department covers the entire lake for water rescue due to the department’s central location, according to Apperson. Deputy Bemus Point Village Mayor Ted Farnham stated that the boat’s total cost was $189,000, with village Mayor Jeffrey Molnar noting that $100,000 was financed and $36,000 was put down. Due to the multitude of upgrades and expenses, the department asked the town board for a 3.5% increase from the previous contract. After a quick discussion the town approved the motion with no opposition.

The Sinclairville Fire Protection District did not have a representative present and therefore did not participate in a public hearing. The department did not submit any request for an increase in funding from the next contract either.