Nash County proposes funding new EMS station and equipment replacement in FY 26 budget

The Nash County Commissioners' Budget Session held on April 19, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding the county's financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics included the potential leasing of specialized equipment, the life expectancy of ambulances, and the need for a new EMS station to accommodate increasing call volumes.

During the session, Commissioner Booth raised concerns about the expenses associated with new stretchers for the EMS department, questioning whether leasing options should be considered instead of outright purchases. The discussion highlighted that the expected useful life of these stretchers is between 10 to 15 years, with maintenance contracts in place to extend their longevity. The possibility of leasing was acknowledged as a viable option that could be explored further.

Another significant point of discussion was the anticipated construction of a new EMS station between Nashville and Rocky Mount. This need arises from a reported 50% increase in call volume over the past four years. The county has identified a potential site near the community college and is proposing funding for planning and design in the FY 26 budget, with construction aimed for FY 27.

The budget session also addressed the overall financial health of the county, with officials noting that the current budget is not balanced. To address this, there is a proposal to utilize fund balance appropriations to cover various capital improvement projects, including the purchase of new vehicles and equipment across multiple departments. However, some commissioners expressed concerns about categorizing certain ongoing expenses as one-time expenditures, suggesting that this could lead to budgetary challenges in the future.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners were encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed budget items, which will be further refined before the May presentation. The discussions underscored the county's commitment to addressing both immediate needs and long-term planning in its budgetary considerations.