PORTSMOUTH — A Town Council member will request on Monday, June 24, that $80,000 in budget surplus funds be assigned to the Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department (PIVFD).

The request comes after a roomful of Prudence Island residents, during the June 12 annual public budget hearing, pleaded with the council to fund PIVFD Chief Bob Dragon’s full request of $250,870 in civic support for his department. That represents a 48.6-percent hike over the current allocation of $168,800.

Town Administrator Richard Rainer, Jr. basically proposed level-funding the department’s budget. He recommended $170,540 for PIVFD — about 1 percent more than the current allocation, but $80,330 less than what Chief Dragon had asked for.

Council member Keith Hamilton, in his agenda item request for Monday’s meeting, suggested using $80,000 from the town’s fund balance to allow PIVFD to purchase new radios and turnout gear, and make repairs to existing equipment.

“I would like to reserve some of the anticipated (fiscal year) 2019 audited surplus to help cover the cost of these items,” Mr. Hamilton stated in his letter, noting that both PIVFD and the Portsmouth Fire Department were preparing a list of specific items to present on Monday.

“This will allow us to solve the need without raising taxes,” Mr. Hamilton stated.

During the public hearing, Mr. Hamilton said he adamantly opposed any changes to the proposed budget if it meant a further increase in taxes.

Since it’s not considered to be a town department, PIVFD funding falls under the “civic support” portion of the budget along with the senior center, the library, and a few other organizations. 

During the June 12 public hearing, several islanders said it was inappropriate for essential public safety funding to be placed under “civic support.”