Commissioners approve 0.0284‑cent increase in Salem Fire tax after debate; motion passes 4‑1

Burke County commissioners voted 4-1 April 21 to direct the county manager to include a 0.0284‑cent increase in the proposed FY 2025‑26 fire tax rate for the Salem Fire & Rescue Protection Association Inc.

Salem Fire and Rescue leaders told the board the department seeks the increase to purchase a fire truck and pay down costs associated with a new station. The chief (identified in the meeting as Chief Autry) said the department aims to lower its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating from a split 5/9E toward a class 4; ISO ratings can affect homeowners’ insurance premiums and are influenced by available training, equipment, staffing and water‑delivery capacity.

During the presentation the chief explained the department has applied for every relevant grant, has saved money over several years and currently holds about $550,000 in a certificate of deposit that is earmarked for building and apparatus costs. He said the department has spent about $1 million of previously saved funds and that some remaining funds will be used to pay down the new station mortgage and serve as a down payment on a new truck.

Commissioners asked staff and the chief detailed questions about grant prospects, potential regional purchasing cooperatives for apparatus, and whether the tax increase could be timed around an upcoming revaluation. Several commissioners voiced support, saying public safety funding yields direct community value; one commissioner emphasized personal experience with volunteer departments and pledged support.

The final motion directed county staff to include the specified increase in the Salem Fire tax district rate for the manager’s proposed FY 2025‑26 budget and additionally requested county staff proactively engage with fire service providers countywide as part of ongoing budgeting and service planning. The motion passed 4-1.