Dryden’s three volunteer fire companies are moving toward shared financial oversight under a joint district scheduled to begin operating Feb. 1, 2027, but a petition effort could put the change before voters.
The Town of Dryden and villages of Dryden and Freeville approved the district following an Oct. 15 public hearing. The town’s adopted resolution sets the start date and makes the decision subject to a permissive referendum, allowing residents to petition for a special election.
The approval advances a proposal officials were exploring in June to combine fire department budgets and business operations.
The change would place financial decisions under a new board of fire commissioners while preserving the companies’ identities and emergency services. Its eventual cost to taxpayers remains unresolved.
What the joint district would change
The district would encompass Neptune Hose Company No. 1 in Dryden, W.B. Strong Fire Company in Freeville and Varna Volunteer Fire Company.
Its territory would include the town and both villages, excluding the portion of Dryden already within the McLean Fire District.
Supporters say coordinated budgeting could improve long-term planning and help departments make equipment purchases together.
The town and village boards would appoint the first five commissioners. Their initial terms would run from Feb. 1 through Dec. 31, 2027, with fire district elections scheduled for December 2027.
The resolution also waives a requirement that commissioners obtain separate town and village board approval before acquiring real property or easements. That provision would give the district greater independence in those decisions.
Savings are possible, but the tax impact is unsettled
Dryden Fire Board Chair Tom Pirko told The Ithaca Voice that shared purchasing could help departments manage rising equipment costs.
Several engines are approaching replacement, and Pirko said evaluating the companies’ needs together could allow less expensive purchases where appropriate. Shared software and potentially lower insurance costs could also produce savings.
Those possibilities would depend on decisions by the new commissioners, rather than savings already established in a district budget.
Pirko acknowledged residents’ frustration over the uncertainty.
“I get the frustration as a taxpayer,” he told the outlet.
Deputy Town Supervisor Dan Lamb said fire protection costs would come off the town’s books once the district assumes responsibility. He said town taxes would decline proportionately.
The total effect on taxpayers would depend on the district’s own spending and tax levy. Moving an expense out of a municipal budget does not establish how much residents would ultimately pay for fire protection.
Lamb also said the district would likely need paid administrative support.
Petition organizers want residents to decide
Village resident John Bailey told The Ithaca Voice that he and other organizers were gathering signatures ahead of a Nov. 14 deadline to seek a referendum.
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Bailey said signing the petition should not be interpreted as opposition to the district. He said residents need more information and an opportunity to vote before a new taxing jurisdiction takes effect.
He suggested municipalities provide a concise explanation of the proposal’s history, benefits and potential financial consequences.
Lamb defended the public process, pointing to months of meetings, notices and two public hearings.
The town’s resolution documents joint proceedings in September, a hearing Oct. 1 and another hearing before the Oct. 15 approval. The town board voted unanimously among those present.
What happens next
A valid petition would require a public vote on the district’s creation.
Without a referendum that prevents the district from moving forward, officials anticipate appointing commissioners in December ahead of the February start, The Ithaca Voice reported.
The commissioners would then have to develop the district’s policies, financial arrangements and budget. Those decisions will determine whether the proposed coordination produces savings and what the new district costs residents.
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