NEVERSINK – Plans are heating up as Larry Bracken, a representative from the Grahamsville Fire Department, gave the Neversink Town Board updates on preparations for the 2026 Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Parade, expected to be hosted locally on September 12.

Bracken told the board that plans for the countywide event are well underway and moving along smoothly.

The event will see departments from across the county gather in the town, with activities planned from early morning through late afternoon. Bracken noted that the parade will temporarily take over portions of the town during that time.

Having hosted similar events in the past, Bracken said the department is already well-versed in preparations.

“It’s moving along quicker than it has in previous years,” he noted.

After the parade, the fairgrounds will be a hotspot for activity, as the department will host family-friendly festivities open to the public.

“We hope to have a nice family event at the fairgrounds afterwards,” Bracken said. “We hope everybody comes out and enjoys the festivities.”

The department is not only focused on parade planning but is also seeking to complete lot improvements on land it recently purchased at the fairgrounds. The proposed work includes clearing land to create additional parking, which would help accommodate large events like the September parade.

However, the project’s timeline depends on environmental regulations and permit approvals. Bracken explained that the property contains a designated bat nesting area, requiring clearing work to be completed before March 31.

“If we get all of our paperwork put together in the next 30 to 45 days, we’re hoping to do some lot improvement,” Bracken said.

For now, the department is awaiting final paperwork and permits before proceeding.

Town of Neversink Supervisor Chris Mathews thanked Bracken and the department for their continued efforts, praising the success of previous parades.

“The last parade was amazing,” Mathews recalled, describing it as a strong showcase for a small fire department hosting a countywide event.

Bracken agreed, emphasizing that the department works hard each year to ensure the event reflects well on both the town and the fire department.

“We work hard every year to do what we say we want to do,” Bracken agreed. “We’re looking forward to it.”

Trucking along

Highway Superintendent Preston Kelly also updated the board on equipment planning, vehicle replacement, and winter operations, including approval to purchase a new pickup truck through the state bid process.

Kelly said an equipment review meeting is scheduled for March 25 at 4:15 p.m. at the Town Barn, where officials will review highway department equipment needs and planning.

In the meantime, Kelly recommended continuing the department’s equipment and pickup rotation program, which has been in place for the past several years. As part of that rotation, he presented a state contract quote for a new pickup truck equipped with a plow.

Kelly reported that the rotation system has been working well.

“We haven’t had really any issues with it at any point,” he said, noting that the town has been getting more value back on its vehicles compared to previous years when they are resold or traded.

The quoted price for the new pickup with plow is roughly over $60,000 through the state contract.

“The good part is there was no price increase from last year to this year,” Kelly said, adding that funds for the purchase are available within the department’s unexpended balance.

Following discussion, the Town Board authorized Kelly to proceed with purchasing the new pickup through the state bid process, with a motion by Deputy Supervisor and Councilperson Ric Coombe Jr., seconded by Councilperson Jim Schmidt. The motion passed unanimously.

Kelly also touched on resale values and the secondhand truck market, noting it is not as strong as it once was. However, he observed that the rotation program continues to make financial sense.

Councilperson Scott Grey asked for a follow-up on road salt supply during what has been an active winter season. Kelly said deliveries became tight during periods of repeated storms, especially when salt was going out faster than it could be replenished.

“It was getting pretty tight last month,” Kelly said. “I think our break in the weather gave our supplier a chance to catch up.”

He explained that while suppliers advertise three- to five-day guaranteed delivery, heavy storm cycles can extend delivery times to two and a half to three weeks.

“When it keeps storming and it’s going out and nothing’s coming back in, it’s not good,” Kelly said. However, he confirmed that the town’s salt storage is currently back to full capacity.