Committee reviews new fire marshal position to enhance fire safety in growing community

A proposed fire marshal position took center stage at the Scott County Fiscal Court meeting on May 5, 2025, as officials discussed the growing need for proactive fire safety measures in the rapidly expanding community. Chief Baker emphasized that the current workload for fire safety inspections and investigations is overwhelming, often leaving the department reactive rather than proactive. He argued that a dedicated fire marshal would help identify safety violations in businesses and schools, ultimately preventing potential tragedies.

The discussion highlighted the importance of fire safety, with Chief Baker stating, "If we can prevent [fires], we’ve done our job." He noted that the responsibilities of the fire marshal would include attending monthly technical review meetings and overseeing fire investigations, which are currently managed by personnel who are not always available. The proposed salary for the position is $89,000, with an additional $60,000 allocated for benefits, totaling $149,000.

However, some magistrates raised concerns about the necessity of the position, questioning the number of inspections that could realistically be conducted in the county compared to city departments. They sought more data on the actual workload and the potential impact of the fire marshal role.

In a related discussion, Sheriff Nettles requested two additional deputies to enhance traffic enforcement and fill staffing gaps due to injuries and light duty assignments. He highlighted the increasing demands on the sheriff's department, noting a significant rise in mental health calls and domestic incidents.

The meeting underscored the critical need for both fire safety and law enforcement resources in Scott County, as officials weigh the implications of staffing decisions on community safety. The court is expected to continue deliberating on these proposals in the coming weeks.