At its Monday, Nov. 7, meeting, Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory Board got off to a fiery start when the territory’s equipment budget was mentioned, particularly in regards to which entity — Syracuse Town Council or the fire territory board — is to approve it.

Larry Siegel said, “This board does the (equipment) budget. It’s already been submitted to the state without the approval of this board.” As such, he noted the budget had been “unlawfully submitted to the state.”

The equipment budget had been presented to the town council by Fire Chief Mickey Scott, where it had been approved before being submitted.

Kim Cates asked Siegel, who is also on the town council, why he hadn’t said anything, to which he responded he had while also noting he had voted “no” on the budget. The town council ultimately voted affirmative on the budget, which Siegel said, “They weren’t authorized to do.”

Tom Hoover stepped in at one point, voicing his frustration at the ongoing back and forth during the meeting. Ultimately the 2017 equipment budget of $513,500 was approved by the fire territory board.

Scott then presented his report, highlighting the annual pump testing occurring in October. All three apparatuses passed the testing; however, there were some parts that required replacement — and have since been replaced. The parts for the foam system on Engine 12-2 have been received and will be replaced soon.

“We currently have two of our full-time staff members who are in the process of applying to be included in a paramedic training program,” Scott said. “There are more applications than there are spots. We’re hopeful that they will get in.”

The fire territory board also reviewed the salary resolution, which was left for the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board to approve.

The fire territory board’s next meeting will be at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at Syracuse Town Hall.