Pilot Knob Fire Department requests budget increase for aging fleet maintenance

Surry County's budget meeting highlighted critical funding needs for the Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department, which is seeking increased financial support to maintain its aging fleet and enhance emergency response capabilities. The department's fleet averages 18.33 years old, with some vehicles ranging from 27 to 34 years, necessitating significant maintenance expenditures to ensure operational readiness.

During the meeting, representatives emphasized that while they are not requesting new apparatus, the rising costs of maintenance are impacting their budget. The department has earned accolades for its community service and boasts the best first response time among volunteer fire departments in Surry County, averaging 7 minutes and 36 seconds for 80% of incidents. This efficiency is supported by a combination of 27 volunteers and paid staff, with 27% of the budget currently allocated to personnel costs.

Pilot Knob's fire department ranks among the top five in the county for incident responses and has the second highest volume of emergency calls. Notably, it maintains the lowest cost per call at $114 for 2023, underscoring its commitment to providing effective services at a reasonable cost.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of adequate funding to sustain these vital services, particularly as the community continues to grow and demand for emergency response increases. As the budget process moves forward, the Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department's request for increased funding will be crucial in maintaining its operational capabilities and ensuring public safety in Surry County.