Cocke County tables donation of fire engine; directs public-safety meeting and policy to allocate surplus equipment

The Cocke County Legislative Body voted to table a proposal to donate a county fire engine after members raised concerns about fairness and the absence of a formal policy to govern transfers of surplus emergency equipment.

County Attorney John told the board the county may donate vehicles under its authority but noted the county does not currently have a written policy governing such transfers: "You are free to, certainly, to go ahead and donate that this evening if you wish," he said, while also saying a policy could be adopted to provide structure.

Several commissioners pressed for an equitable process. One commissioner urged a rotation so "we don't let one fire department have it," saying they maintain a rotation schedule for volunteer departments. Chair (unnamed) proposed convening a public-safety meeting that would include all volunteer fire departments to discuss criteria and to let them provide input before the board votes.

The board voted by voice to table the donation until the next monthly meeting and asked staff to prepare a policy and schedule a public-safety meeting. Commissioners also agreed to consider whether older vehicles that are not serviceable — specifically Engine 4, described in discussion as being cannibalized for parts — should be removed from the auction or sale list and revisited after the public-safety meeting.

The decision leaves the county attorney and staff responsible for drafting a policy and for organizing outreach to volunteer fire departments; the matter will return to the CLB on the agenda next month.