Morgan County approves fire station staffing agreement with WPR Road and Fire District

Morgan County officials took significant steps towards enhancing public safety and improving airport management during the County Commission meeting held on May 6, 2025. The commission unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the WPR Road and Fire District to staff a new fire station five days a week, a move aimed at bolstering emergency response capabilities in the area.

Commissioner Blocker emphasized the importance of collaboration in reaching this agreement, highlighting the extensive efforts made behind the scenes to ensure public safety. The new staffing plan will initially operate with existing personnel, with hopes of expanding to 24/7 coverage as funding and volunteer availability improve.

In addition to public safety discussions, the commission addressed the sale of two airport hangars. Confusion arose regarding the lease agreements associated with these hangars, as the current leases were outdated. The commission debated whether to proceed with the sale under the existing terms or to draft new leases that reflect updated conditions. The consensus leaned towards creating new leases to ensure compliance with current regulations and to streamline future transactions.

Commissioners also discussed the fairness of hangar sales, particularly regarding prioritizing local residents. Suggestions were made to implement a first right of refusal for Morgan County residents, ensuring they have the opportunity to purchase hangars before they are offered to outside buyers. This proposal aims to support local interests while maintaining a free market approach.

As the meeting concluded, the commission recognized the need for clearer policies regarding hangar leases and sales, indicating that further discussions would be necessary to establish a fair and transparent process moving forward. The decisions made during this meeting are expected to have lasting impacts on both public safety and local aviation management in Morgan County.