Victoria County commissioners voted to establish the assistant fire marshal as a part‑time position and authorized any necessary budget amendments, after a discussion about recent changes that shifted airport aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) duties to the airport.

The court discussed an internal reorganization that moved ARFF responsibilities out of the County Fire Marshal's Office and placed them under airport management. The change reduced the fire marshal office's workload, prompting debate over whether to fill an assistant position.

County leadership concluded a part‑time role would be appropriate for now. The court discussed a 29‑hour maximum for part‑time classification; a staff member said the 29‑hour threshold keeps the position under certain state classifications. A motion “to establish the assistant fire marshal as a part time role and execute any budget amendment necessary to effectuate that change” was moved and seconded and the court approved the motion by voice vote.

Commissioners said the part‑time role would provide backup when the primary fire marshal is out and help with coordination of volunteer departments. The court also directed staff to include longer‑range planning for the county's 10 volunteer fire departments during the budget process, including a possible special workshop to discuss multi‑year purchases, grant strategies and staffing needs.

County staff said the ARFF split and related changes will require careful implementation and follow‑up, including job description development, HR processing and budget amendments. The court will revisit staffing and funding if the new fire marshal recommends a different arrangement.