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Commissioners debate $7M proposal to staff rural volunteer fire departments; no appropriation approved
Summary
Commissioner Thompson asked staff to explore using nearly $7 million from fund balance as a one‑time bridge to provide four paid firefighters 24/7 to volunteer fire districts; commissioners split over fiscal prudence versus immediate safety risks and directed staff to develop timelines and alternatives rather than approve funding that night.
A request to use fund balance as a bridge to fund paid staffing for rural volunteer fire departments dominated discussion at the June 16 Brunswick County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Commissioner Thompson asked staff to evaluate department staffing and the cost to provide four paid firefighters on duty 24 hours a day for departments that do not currently meet that minimum. The proposal envisioned a one‑time transfer from the general fund—roughly $7,000,000 in the presentation—to cover staffing while the county develops a long‑term funding mechanism.
Thompson framed the request as a public‑safety imperative: "My biggest concern is that as we move forward... we are putting people and our citizens at risk by not doing this immediately." He urged staff to return with agreements and a costed plan and suggested commissioners support a near‑term, temporary approach while a sustainable model is developed for FY2026–27.
Opponents warned against using fund balance for recurring payroll. One commissioner said drawing on fund balance to create recurring personnel costs is inappropriate for a savings account meant for one‑time purchases. Others emphasized the complexity of a fire‑tax or countywide funding change and the need to work with municipalities and chiefs to design a defensible plan, with possible tax impacts in the 12–15¢ range discussed during the meeting.
Outcome and next steps: No motion to appropriate $7,000,000 passed at the meeting. Commissioners agreed the issue is a high priority and directed staff and administration to produce alternative scenarios, a timeline and cost analyses (targeting late summer alternatives and a recommendation near January 2026), and to consult municipalities and fire chiefs.
Contextual numbers cited in the meeting: a proposed one‑time figure near $7,000,000 for bridging staff costs; county fire fee compensation cited as $111,000 for one town; Saint James reported capital purchases including an $850,000 pumper and a $2,100,000 ladder truck. Commissioners also discussed potential fire tax options that could require a 10–15¢ tax change depending on the model.
What to watch: Staff return with a timeline and concrete alternatives, including options that comply with statutory requirements and municipal budget cycles.
Sources: in‑meeting staff presentation and extended commissioner debate; Commissioner Thompson's remarks requesting staff analysis.
