SOUTH HADLEY — Fire District 1 will be able to pay its firefighters and paramedics in the coming year after hundreds of voters at Wednesday’s special meeting approved funding for $2.7 million in salaries.

District Clerk/Treasurer Kari Scytkowski said 357 people turned out for the vote, which was called after a majority of voters rejected the salary article at the district’s annual meeting April 27. Many firefighters from across the region came to show support, staying outside the theater at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School during the meeting, Scytkowski said.

The single article, seeking the appropriation of $1,760,253, along with the transfer of $839,378 from the ambulance reserve fund, $100,000 from free cash, and $17,908 from local receipts, was unanimously approved after some discussion, she said.

Prudential Committee Chairman Bruce Perron said he was relieved and gratified at the outcome.

He said there was “a little bit of maneuvering, a little contentiousness,” especially with the large crowd, but the mood at the end of the meeting was congenial.

“It was a good meeting,” Perron said.

Two amendments to the salary article were proposed and rejected. Pauline McClaflin offered an amendment that would have reduced overtime funding, ambulance stipends and the uniform allowance by a total of $200,000. The amendment would have reduced the requested appropriation to $1,560,253, but was overwhelmingly rejected, with 45 voting for it and the remainder opposed.

Also rejected was an amendment proposed by district Moderator Ed Wall seeking the addition of health policy language.

The meeting, which was scheduled to begin at 6 but started late because of the large crowd, was concluded by 8, Scytkowski said.

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