Sampson County Fire Commission approves tax increases for seven departments; forwards two contract-amendment requests to commissioners

The Sampson County Fire Commission approved recommended fire-tax increases for seven fire districts and forwarded two requests to amend the proposed multiyear fire contract to the county commissioners for final consideration.

At a meeting of the Sampson County Fire Commission, the panel voted to recommend new tax rates for Harold's (requested 9.5 cents), Five's Corner (move from 8.5 cents to 10 cents as presented to the commission), Turkey (requested 10 cents), Garland (requested 10 cents), Piney Grove (requested 10 cents, current/contract rate reported as 7 cents), Falcon (requested 10 cents, current/contract 9.5 cents) and Clinton (requested 10 cents, current/contract 9 cents). The commission chair said each motion "so carried" after votes and that the recommendations "will be presented to the commissioners on the fire commission's behalf." (Transcript excerpts: first discussion opening at 89.07 seconds; approvals through 430.835 seconds.)

Why it matters: The commission's recommendations go to the Sampson County Board of Commissioners, which ultimately sets tax rates. Several departments asked for higher, multiyear guarantees so they can plan for capital purchases and paid staffing; the county manager and county attorney told the commission that the county commissioners retain statutory authority to change tax rates and that altering contracts could prompt legal challenges.

Discussion and contract-amendment requests

Piney Grove's fire…