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Board creates standalone fire marshal position; commissioners urge expedited hiring and facility upgrades
Summary
The board approved separating the fire marshal function from the deputy chief of administration to create a dedicated fire marshal position. Commissioners urged quick hiring and raised facility concerns for female firefighters.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 4 to create a standalone fire marshal position separate from the deputy chief of administration.
Acting County Manager James Brown explained the change: the county previously combined the fire marshal responsibilities with the deputy chief of administration and proposes creating a separate position funded by combining savings from two other positions, producing a neutral budget impact. Commissioner Long said the county had discussed the need for a fire marshal earlier in the year and urged the county to expedite hiring and to ensure local control rather than dependence on the state fire marshal. Commissioner Henderson raised facility concerns after site visits, noting that female firefighters assigned to Station 1 need appropriate separate sleeping and shower facilities.
The board approved the position creation and instructed staff to proceed with recruitment and to report back on timelines and pay-scale considerations for the fire department.
