Fire District Operations

The Bedford Hills Fire District is managed by the Board of Fire Commissioners and District staff, who are responsible for the business and administrative operations of the Fire District.

Fire districts are district corporations and political subdivisions of the State of New York, separate and distinct from the municipalities in which they are located. Fire districts are governed by an elected Board of Fire Commissioners and are required by law to appoint a Treasurer and a Secretary. Fire districts have the authority to levy taxes on real property within the district and to borrow funds in their own name.

Fire districts should not be confused with fire companies, fire departments, or fire protection districts. Fire companies operating within a fire district are typically volunteer organizations incorporated under the New York State Not-for-Profit Corporation Law and collectively comprise the Fire Department, which is headed by a Chief. The Board of Fire Commissioners is authorized to adopt rules and regulations governing the fire companies and the Fire Department. Fire protection districts, by contrast, are geographic areas of a town that receive fire protection services pursuant to a contractual agreement.

Duties of the Commissioners

The Fire District owns and maintains all apparatus, buildings, and equipment. The Board of Fire Commissioners has exclusive management and control over all District property and is authorized to purchase or lease real estate, apparatus, and equipment, as well as sell or otherwise dispose of District property. In certain cases, statutory dollar thresholds require that the purchase or disposition of District property be approved by public referendum.

The Fire District budget funds the ownership, operation, and maintenance of District buildings, vehicles, apparatus, and equipment. The budget also provides insurance coverage for District property and members, including workers’ compensation and liability insurance, and supports member benefit programs such as the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP).

In addition, the budget covers administrative and operational expenses, including training, utilities, maintenance, contractual services, and professional services. It supports the governance functions of the Board of Fire Commissioners, including financial management, auditing and payment of claims, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. All expenditures are made to ensure the continued readiness, safety, and effectiveness of the Fire District and Fire Department in serving the community.

The Commissioners are authorized to adopt rules and regulations governing the Fire Department, prescribe the duties of its members, and enforce discipline. The Commissioners approve new members, as well as the firematic and social officers of the Department, and may remove members for cause in accordance with law.

All claims against the District are audited by the Board of Fire Commissioners, who approve or disapprove payment by the District Treasurer. The Commissioners also develop the District’s annual budget, which is submitted to the Town of Bedford and funded through the Town’s property tax levy.