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Fiscal court advances first reading of fire tax ordinance amid debate over rescue squad funding
Summary
The Carlisle County Fiscal Court approved a first reading of a revised fire tax ordinance that would add $20 to an existing $50 fee and distribute additional revenue by percentage; members debated whether to include dollar amounts, and a county speaker urged direct support for the rescue squad, citing KRS Chapter 39.
The Carlisle County Fiscal Court conducted a first reading of a rewritten fire tax ordinance that would add $20 to an existing $50 assessment and distribute additional revenue to local volunteer departments by percentage. A motion to proceed with the first reading was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.
Court staff described draft language and a second-page allocation showing a general-fund contribution of $32,000 and distribution percentages to districts (example figures cited in discussion: Cunningham 42%, Millburn 22%, Westport 26%), based on 2023 assessed values. Members debated whether to include a specific dollar amount in the ordinance or to leave the ordinance to specify distribution percentages while handling any additional county contributions through the annual budget. Several members urged reviewing and revisiting the ordinance annually.
Concerns about excluding the Carlisle County Rescue Squad from fire dues were raised. One speaker said the rescue squad "has never been included on the fire dues that go out" and noted the squad receives no state funds and relies on donations and fundraisers to pay for fuel, boat repairs and equipment. The same speaker told the court, "We are required to have a rescue squad, by KRS chapter 39," and urged the court to consider a modest county allocation — for example, $5,000 a year — to ensure the squad can maintain essential equipment and respond countywide when fundraisers fail (for instance during COVID-related interruptions).
Court members discussed a range of options: placing a fixed dollar contribution into the ordinance, keeping a $50 baseline with percentages in the ordinance while budgeting extra contributions annually, or setting budget line items to provide supplemental funding. Several members noted the ordinance must be reviewed periodically and that budget amendments could be used to change allocations if necessary. The court scheduled a public hearing on the ordinance at the next meeting and affirmed the option to amend budget lines to cover any approved increases.
What happens next: The court completed a first reading and will publish and hold a public hearing at the next meeting for citizen comment. Staff and members will revisit budget impacts and can amend the ordinance or budget before final adoption.
