The Dryden Town Board renewed fire contracts for Dryden, Varna, and Freeville fire departments but denied Etna’s $248,000 proposal for 2025. A clerical error allowed for a second public hearing, where Etna supporters voiced concerns over losing funding and its impact on response times.
Officials cited data showing other departments often arrive first at emergencies, justifying the decision as fiscally responsible.
However, Etna Fire Chief Tom Lobdell argued the comparison was unfair due to differences in resources. Despite reassurances from Deputy Supervisor Dan Lamb that public safety remains intact, the future of Etna’s fire services remains uncertain.
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