Pine Plains fire district to elect new commissioner

PINE PLAINS — Voters in Pine Plains will be heading to the polls next month to determine the town’s new fire commissioner.

The position, which is uncompensated, is a five-year term, starting on Jan. 1, 2025. It has been described by town supervisor Brian Walsh as “basically a thankless job”, but a duty which Walsh emphasizes is crucial to the community’s wellbeing.

The commissioner is responsible for handling district finances, ensuring fire equipment is properly maintained, and determining buildings in the town meet the fire codes. Additionally, the commissioner pays bills, approves new purchases, resolves any related issues, and meets once a month with the fire board to ensure all is operating smoothly within the district.

Competition for the commissioner’s race is not exactly tight. According to Walsh, only one contender has emerged: Robert Koch, the proprietor of Koch Masonry, who is running unopposed. Efforts to reach Koch for commentary were unsuccessful at press time.

While Walsh remains optimistic about overall support for the fire district and is quick to point out its many benefits to the community, he is also realistic about the expected turnout for the vote, explaining the number of ballots cast is generally less than twenty.

Interested members of the community wishing to participate in the process may do so on Tuesday, Dec. 10, by stopping by the Pine Plains Fire House, located at 7 Lake Road, Pine Plains, New York. The polls will be open from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. To be eligible to vote, residents must have registered with the Dutchess County Board of Elections on or before Nov. 18, 2024, and must have resided in the Pine Plains Fire District for at least thirty days prior to the election.

The commissioner’s term ends on Dec. 31, 2029.