Gallatin officials are weighing a proposal to dissolve the town’s fire district, a move that could change how fire protection is managed and taxed across its 1,600 parcels. At the May 20 Town Board meeting, board members discussed a recommendation from the town’s fire commission, which is considering reverting Gallatin to a system of individual contracts with five neighboring fire districts and companies.
Currently, Gallatin does not operate its own fire company and is served by departments in Ancram, Livingston, Pine Plains, Taghkanic, and a private company based in Milan. Under the existing district model, all property owners pay the same fire tax rate regardless of which company responds to a call.
The proposed change would dissolve the unified fire district and allow Gallatin to contract separately with each neighboring district. That would shift Gallatin residents to the tax rate used by the town providing their fire protection — potentially resulting in five different rates within Gallatin.
“Why is this a better scenario?” asked Town Board member Michael Moran. Board member Jeff Jorve followed with, “What is the problem with the current system?”
“We don’t have a say,” said fire commissioner and former town board member Donald Coons. “Any of the other towns can decide to buy a new truck, and we don’t have a say.”
Under the proposed system, Coons said Gallatin residents could potentially provide input to fire companies in neighboring towns and even serve as commissioners.
Jack Gomm, Gallatin’s highway superintendent and an officer with the Milan fire company, added that mutual aid is standard during major incidents. “For any large structural fire, all five companies are here. We all benefit from any company’s investment in equipment,” he said.
Moran asked whether all five districts were supportive of the change. “I’ve not heard any district having any problem with it,” Coons responded.
Supervisor John C. Reilly and Assessor Rene DeLeeuw noted that dissolving the district would require a detailed reassignment of parcels for tax purposes — an administrative burden that could come with added costs. Coons said the commission is targeting 2027 for potential dissolution.
Concerns about the sustainability of the commission itself have also surfaced. At the March 25 Town Board meeting, Reilly read from a letter by the fire commission warning that it may not be able to seat five candidates in future elections. Coons did not address that issue Monday but did raise concern about the volunteer fire service’s aging membership. “And it’s going to get worse. Eventually, our 70-year-old men are not going to be able to fight fires,” he said.
“If a time comes when we have to go to a paid fire force,” Reilly cautioned, “everyone’s taxes will go up substantially.”
The board also discussed the challenges of providing fire service to homes on private roads, many of which no longer meet minimum access requirements. DeLeeuw estimated that 30 to 40 such parcels exist in Gallatin, but Reilly said the number could be closer to 100.
Though many of these properties comply with zoning laws for wells, septic systems, and setbacks, their roads may be too narrow or obstructed for emergency vehicles. The minimum standard for fire access requires a 12-foot-wide road with at least 10 feet of clearance from the centerline to trees or other obstructions.
Board members discussed whether owners should be required to maintain or upgrade private roads — or whether the town should consider phasing them out in favor of public roads. Reilly said the town would consult its attorney and host a series of meetings on potential zoning updates starting this summer.
Gallatin Planning Board Reviews Subdivisions
At its May 19 meeting, the Gallatin Planning Board reviewed sketch plans for two subdivision proposals and referred a third application to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Darren Mosher, appearing on behalf of Angelo and Salvatore Russello, presented a plan to divide an 88-acre undeveloped parcel on the east side of Route 82, just north of Decker Road, into two lots of 20 acres and 68 acres. The board requested Department of Health verification for water and septic on both parcels and additional data on topography. A public hearing may be scheduled in June.
Straw and Debbie Weissman submitted an application to create two parcels at their 198 Sigler Road property — an 18-acre lot with their existing house and an 8-acre vacant lot. The board requested a complete application with health department approvals and driveway curb cut locations. When the Weissmans asked if they could list the new lot for sale prior to approval, the board advised them to wait.
A third applicant seeking to divide a parcel on Near Road was referred to the zoning board, as the property is under six acres and will require a variance for two compliant lots.