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Brunswick County Fire Chiefs Association to present funding recommendation after stakeholder vetting
Summary
Charles Drew, president of the Brunswick County Fire Chiefs Association, told the commission the chiefs unanimously approved a recommendation for a new fire‑funding mechanism and will meet Brunswick mayors on Aug. 15 to vet the proposal; he denied that the association issued any nonnegotiable demands and called for collaboration.
Charles Drew, president of the Brunswick County Fire Chiefs Association, addressed the Board of Commissioners during public comment on Aug. 15 to summarize recent chief meetings on fire funding and to clarify the association's position.
Drew said the chiefs convened special meetings at the urging of county officials, commissioners and mayors because the current funding mechanism is unsustainable for many volunteer and combination fire departments. He said aging equipment, understaffing and rising costs prompted the association to examine alternatives.
Drew told the board that at a meeting on July 30, a majority of chiefs voted unanimously on a recommendation for a new funding mechanism. He emphasized that the association has not issued "nonnegotiable" demands and that the chiefs seek collaboration with commissioners, mayors, municipalities, nonprofits and citizens.
"At no time has the Brunswick County Fire Chiefs Association made any demands to the county or discussed any nonnegotiables," Drew said. "We come to you with an olive branch, not boxing gloves." He said he and Vice President Chief McGee will meet with Brunswick mayors on Aug. 15 and report back to the chiefs on Aug. 21.
Why it matters: Fire funding mechanisms affect response capacity, staffing and capital replacement for local fire departments. The chiefs' recommendation—if adopted—could prompt changes to county funding approaches or contracts with fire districts.
What’s next: Drew said the association will present a summary to the chiefs after meeting with mayors and will offer to present recommendations to the commission or county management upon completion of stakeholder vetting.
