Fire commission backs flat 11.5¢ allocation for contracted departments; commissioners press to finalize contracts before adoption

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The Gaston County Fire Commission on May 13 recommended that contracted fire departments receive a flat allocation equal to the existing 11.5¢ fire tax. The recommendation came as department leaders and county officials described how the tax supports personnel, equipment replacement and improved response times.

“We're recommending that the contracted fire departments receive a flat budget allocation of 11 and a half percent consistent with the rate approved in the previous years,” Robert Smith, chairman of the Gaston County Fire Commission, said during the work session.

Joshua Brown, president of the Gaston County Firefighters Association, told commissioners the 11.5¢ rate funds 17 unincorporated fire departments and credited it with improving turnout and response times. Brown said the county's contracted departments responded to 9,384 emergency incidents in 2024 across roughly 261 square miles, and he urged the board to maintain the current fire tax to ensure staffing and equipment needs are met.

Commissioners and fire officials discussed differences in department allocations, which reflect call volume, district size and capital needs. Smith and others noted many departments carry long‑term debt for vehicles — new fire engines commonly cost about $1 million and have multi‑year lead times — and that capital needs drive differences in line items across department budgets.

Commissioner Tom Kiger (board liaison) and others cited measurable benefits, saying added staffing reduced response times from around eight minutes to roughly two‑and‑a‑half to three‑and‑a‑half minutes in some areas, and that insurance‑rating improvements can lower homeowner costs.

County staff and volunteer chiefs remain in negotiations over contract language. Vincent (county staff) told the board the county is “working through that process” and described outstanding issues such as whether property associated with a department would revert to the county if a department dissolved and the need to agree on performance measures. Smith said volunteer chiefs have designated a spokesperson and attorney to participate in talks.

Commissioners pressed for urgency: one commissioner said finalized contracts must be ready “by the 23rd” ahead of the board's budget actions scheduled for May 27, and called on staff and chiefs to meet daily if necessary.

County staff said they will continue negotiating language and expect to present final agreements for the board’s consideration. The fire commission also recommended placing leftover dollars into a capital fund balance for the departments rather than using one‑time reserves to balance ongoing budgets.