DRYDEN, NY (607NewsNow) — Fire contracts in Dryden are changing.

The town board has agreed on contract levels next year with the WB Strong Fire Company of Freeville, the Neptune Hose Company of Dryden, and Varna Volunteer Fire Company, but they’re not renewing a deal with the Etna Volunteer Fire Department.

Town officials say the decision was based on call response data over several years. Dryden’s town board unanimously decided that “contracting with Etna is not in the best interest” of the town’s taxpayers in 2025.

In a statement, the Dryden Town Board explained the cost of fire service: “The cost of providing fire service in the Town has doubled in the past ten years and is growing exponentially. Next to roads and bridges, it is the second largest expense in the Town budget. The Town cannot afford to allocate tax dollars to entities that do not meet contractual obligations.”

The town board voted on 2025 fire contracts at their meeting on Dec. 12.