Fuel Costs Force Budget Increases in Fire Districts

The Dix Hills and Melville Fire Districts each held public hearings Tuesday night to discuss their respective 2012 budgets, which are projected to increase because of rising fuel costs and state mandated benefits.

In a vote of 4-1, the Dix Hills Fire District approved a spending plan of $4,686,162, an increase of $220,915 from the 2011 budget. The board of fire comissioners also approved a resolution to exceed the property tax cap by a vote of 4-1.

The board said that the biggest factor in the increase is due to fixed mandated costs such as workers compensation, medical insurance and contributions to the retirement system. 

Workers compensation increased 35 percent since the time of last year's budget, the district's treasurer said. 

The Dix Hills Fire District also slightly decreased its office expenses.

"We're trying to hold the line as best as we can," Commissioner Larry Feld said.

The other part of the increase is mostly due to the rising costs of fuel, a challenge the Melville Fire District is facing as well.

The Melville Fire District has a proposed budget of $4,766,374, a $93,324 increase of a year ago.

Treasurer Ed Flynn ran down the itemized budget, which features several reductions, along with several increases in specific areas.

Melville's Fire District predicts a $13,000 increase for gas and oil, and a $10,000 bump for building and grounds utilities. Other increases include another $4,000 for building repairs, and an extra $5,000 under 'hydrant rental', as South Huntington has increased its fees.

Like the Dix Hills district, Melville also expects to contribute more to the state's retirement system. The board said that those increases are being offset by reductions in other areas such as union dues, insurance and office supplies.

The town has asked the Melville Fire District to submit a final proposed budget by October 28. The vote by the board to adopt the budget will be held on Oct. 26.