Madison County volunteer fire associations ask for $2.5 million over six years for apparatus, gear and buildings

Representatives of Madison County’s volunteer fire departments asked the Board of Commissioners for $2.5 million in SPLOST funds over a six‑year period to pay for apparatus, personal protective equipment and small capital projects.

Jackson (presenting for county fire leadership) told commissioners the request — spread over six years — would amount to about $200,000 a year in department funding but when divided across 12 volunteer departments the figure is roughly $34,000–$35,000 per department annually. He outlined near‑term needs: breathing apparatus (NFPA‑required replacements), turnout gear replacements every 10 years, pumpers or used apparatus purchases, and building repairs. He said a single set of 12 new self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for one department could cost roughly $120,000 and that turnout gear runs about $3,000–$6,000 per firefighter.

Fire representatives argued the county’s volunteer model provides a significant public‑safety and fiscal benefit. They cited an example in which an ISO rating change produced roughly $900 in annual homeowners‑insurance savings for 1 property and said improved ISO ratings from better water infrastructure and fire coverage reduce insurance costs for residents.

Commissioners asked for greater accountability and reporting on how SPLost funds would be spent across departments; commissioners also suggested periodic updates to the board on acquisitions and coordination to avoid duplicate purchases. Fire leaders said they would continue coordinated purchasing and report back with details.

Ending: No vote was taken; fire leadership agreed to provide further budget details and to work with county staff on accountability and purchase coordination.