Onslow County approves volunteer fire department contract and highest-ever funding level of about $8 million

Onslow County commissioners on May 5 approved terms of a contract and the funding levels (as shown in a closed spreadsheet) for nonprofit volunteer fire departments, with staff saying the package represents the highest level of county funding ever provided to those departments — approximately $8,000,000.

County staff described a multi-stakeholder negotiation process that included volunteer fire chiefs and three board members. Mr. Smitherman, a county staff member who presented slides, said the county's involvement and increased funding over the last decade have helped improve ISO ratings countywide from ratings around 9 to predominantly ratings of 4 and in some cases 3, a change he described as benefiting homeowners through lower insurance costs. He also noted that the board raised taxes by three cents in 2023 to provide additional funds for fire service.

Under the proposal, each volunteer fire department must return a signed contract and a list of excluded assets acceptable to the county manager by May 15, 2025. The county manager would then be authorized to execute the contracts upon receipt. Staff said the funding levels and contract terms appear in a spreadsheet that was not presented in open session.

Several commissioners expressed support and appreciation for volunteer fire departments, emphasizing the departments' role in emergency response beyond fires. One commissioner said he had "wrestled" with the proposal but ultimately planned to vote yes; other commissioners described the departments as "essential" and praised the improvements in service and insurance ratings.

The board approved the contract terms and funding levels by voice vote; the transcript records commissioners saying "aye" and no opposition.