Salem Fire Rescue asks Burke County commissioners to raise fire tax to cover new engine, mortgage

Salem Fire Rescue Chief Charles Autry told the Burke County Board of Commissioners on April 7 that his volunteer department is seeking an increase in its tax rate from 0.0716 to 0.1 to cover a contractually required financing plan for a new fire engine and rising operating costs.

Autry said the department has historically had the county's lowest fire tax rate, has built savings and moved into a new station, and now faces higher construction and operating costs. "We are required to, in the purchase contract to have financing in place for this engine by the end of 2025," Autry said. He told the board the new engine costs $943,000, payments are estimated at about $12,000 per month, and the department will begin mortgage payments of over $16,000 per month when its new station mortgage finalizes in April.

The request would raise annual department revenue by nearly $170,000 and, according to materials Autry distributed, would increase taxpayer bills depending on net property valuation (for a $500,000 valuation the example showed an increase of $142 per year). Autry also cited a long-term increase in call volume: "Over the last 12 years, our fire calls have went up from 95 in 2013 to 231 in 2024. That's a 143% increase," he said.

Commissioners asked about alternatives and timing. Autry said the engine contract has already been signed and the vehicle will replace an apparatus now 30 years old; the ordered engine is expected in August 2026. He described departmental plans to host community events at the new station, partner on EMS coverage and training, and investigate 24/7 staffing in the future, which he said would be expensive.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to put the matter on the decision agenda at the regular meeting two weeks hence and to provide the county manager guidance for the budget. The motion carried 5-0. The board did not vote on the tax increase on April 7; the item was moved for action at the upcoming regular meeting.

Why it matters: The requested increase would change Salem Fire Rescue's share of local property tax and affect department revenue and service planning. The board's decision at the regular meeting will determine whether the department can proceed with financing as described.

What's next: The board directed staff to prepare for the budget process and scheduled the tax-rate request for a decision item two weeks later.