Scott County Fiscal Court on May 2025 reviewed a proposal to create a dedicated fire marshal position to expand inspections, develop pre‑plans and oversee fire prevention and investigations.

Fire Chief John (speaker identified as the county fire chief) told the court his review of PVA and revenue accounts found 224 parcels listed as commercial or institutional; adding multiple buildings and sites increased his estimate to about 350 separate inspection targets countywide, not counting properties inside some city limits. "That 224 is on the low end," the chief said. "In my estimation, I'd say we'd be approaching 350 at least." He recommended pursuing interlocal agreements for inspections inside some cities that maintain their own fire departments.

The chief outlined job duties beyond inspections, including technical review for TRC meetings, overseeing fire investigations, participating in Local Emergency Planning Committee meetings and standing up building pre‑plans that crews use on emergency responses.

County budget staff presented proposed compensation and total cost estimates. Jeff (county finance staff) said the proposed salary was set roughly between captain and battalion‑chief pay — about $77,000 — and including retirement and health insurance the fully loaded cost would be roughly $131,000 per year. Jeff said the retirement contribution ($27.05k) and health insurance ($15.05k) were the largest benefit components driving total cost.

Court members expressed support, saying proactive inspections and pre‑planning improve public safety. Some asked whether the marshal could be cross‑deployed to backfill shifts as needed; the fire chief said that could be possible but warned scheduling and overtime implications for a 24‑hour shift schedule.

No formal hiring decision was made; members said the proposal and associated job description and budget estimates should be finalized before inclusion in the upcoming fiscal year ordinance.