Fire commission presents data-driven cost-share policy; board to consider vote in January

Chris Ellington, chair of the Johnston County Fire Commission, described a draft cost-share policy designed to allocate operational and apparatus costs between the county and municipalities using a data-driven formula. Ellington said the formula weighs four factors — call volume, taxable real and personal property, population and square miles protected — and produces a percentage split of county vs. town responsibility for operational costs and, in some cases, apparatus costs and new station construction.

Ellington emphasized annual review of the input data and a planned phased implementation so towns and the county can budget for changes. He said the commission solicited feedback, met individually with commissioners and town representatives and received four letters (Clayton, Princeton, Micro and Kenley) that acknowledged or flagged concerns about implementation timing and affordability.

Board members praised the commission’s work but several voiced concern about the immediate financial impact on municipalities and potential shifts when towns annex large developments. One commissioner asked whether the formula changed after town feedback; Ellington said the policy committee retained the original formula after testing suggested the requested adjustments did not meaningfully change results. Commissioners agreed to continue town outreach and to take the policy under advisement, with a formal vote to be considered at the Jan. 5 meeting to allow additional conversations with municipal leaders.

Ellington framed the intent as fairness and transparency: "This is all data driven. This is not opinion based — it is strictly based on numbers." He added the board would need to approve any new station construction that affects the county fire protection district.

Next steps: additional town coordination and a possible Jan. 5 vote on the policy.