Miami County fire districts request modest budget increases as call loads, equipment needs rise

At a Miami County Commission budget hearing, fire department leaders and county staff outlined 2026 budget requests and capital priorities for multiple rural stations, citing rising call volume, aging apparatus and new training needs.

The requests matter because several volunteer stations reported higher call loads and equipment failures that county staff said could reduce response capacity unless addressed. County commissioners and staff discussed short‑term fixes — including heating an unused old station, replacing worn pumps and compressors, and pursuing grant funding — while declining to adopt any immediate binding changes.

Mark Wayland, the county’s rural fire coordinator, opened the discussion on Fontana’s budget, saying the department expects to be “pretty close to the $92.07 80 with repairs to equipment and, training and additional items” and that the 2026 request is “only…to go up 0.27% to a total of $93,030.” He reported Fontana’s roster has grown from about eight to “14 or 15 members,” with organizers working to certify volunteers to Firefighter I level. Wayland and other chiefs described frequent equipment maintenance needs on brush rigs and low pump pressures; a new tender chassis has been paid for and body construction was reported in progress with delivery expected in late October or November.

Lewisburg sought a larger increase, described by staff as roughly 8 percent, driven by equipment maintenance,…