Lewiston’s referendum on increasing benefits for volunteer firefighters passed on Wednesday.
The vote was 69-0 for increasing the contribution toward the Defined Contribution Service Award Program for qualifying firefighters from $700 per year to $1,000 per year. It would become effective on Jan. 1.
The three town fire companies that would benefit are Lewiston Fire Company #2, Upper Mountain Fire Company, and Sanborn Fire Company. Lewiston Fire Company #1, based in the Village of Lewiston, has its own benefits plan and the village participates in funding it.
There are 71 firefighters who qualify for this, with the amount the town would contribute to the program increased to $71,000 a year. Funding comes from the town’s fire protection district.