Hinesville Fire Chief opposes funding Midway Fire Department's coverage extension

The Liberty County Board of Commissioners convened on March 4, 2025, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on fire services and a contract extension for the Miller Park Pavilion.

The meeting opened with discussions surrounding the reimbursement rates for fire services provided to the City of Midway. Commissioners expressed concerns regarding the entry-level pay structure for firefighters and the implications of charging the city for services rendered. It was noted that the current arrangement had not included any charges for the fire protection services provided to Midway, but this would change as the city moves towards establishing its own fire department.

Commissioner Stevens highlighted the growth in the Macintosh community, questioning how many new homes had been built and the necessity of the fire station in that area. He emphasized that the county had built the fire station to accommodate future growth and expressed reluctance to continue providing services without compensation, especially given the city's plans to develop its own fire department.

The discussion shifted to the ongoing relationship between the county and the City of Midway, with several commissioners expressing frustration over the lack of communication and clarity from the city regarding their fire service needs. It was suggested that the city should take more initiative in managing its fire protection rather than relying on the county.

In a separate agenda item, the commissioners considered a request for a contract extension for the Miller Park Pavilion. The contractor requested additional time until March 20 to complete outstanding work, which included seven remaining items identified during a recent inspection. The board agreed to the extension to allow the contractor to finalize the project.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in fire service management between the county and the city, as well as the need for clear communication and planning to address community needs effectively. The board's decision to begin charging for fire services marks a significant shift in their approach to intergovernmental cooperation.