Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department requests modest operating increase and loan assistance for engine
Summary
Jonathan Garrett of the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department asked supervisors for a $3,000 annual county operating increase (to $60,000) and two one-time $50,000 payments (to be held in a CD and applied to the remaining Engine 1 loan balance of roughly $130,000–$135,000). He cited rising PPE, nozzle, insurance and maintenance costs and the department’s 2023 response totals.
Jonathan Garrett, representing the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department, presented the department’s 2023 activity (343 calls: 243 county, 82 town, 11 outside county), summarized its operating budget and described rising operating and capital pressures.
Garrett said the department currently receives $57,000 annually from the county and $27,000 from the town and that donations vary; he requested a $3,000 county increase to bring the county contribution to $60,000 per year. He also asked the board to consider a one-time $50,000 deposit this year into a certificate of deposit and a second $50,000 deposit next year to be applied to the remaining loan balance on Engine 1 (presented as roughly $130,000–$135,000 outstanding). The request was presented alongside a breakdown of PPE replacement (roughly $4,000 per firefighter on a 10-year cycle), equipment replacement like nozzles (~$1,000 each), annual pump and hose testing, aerial maintenance, and insurance premiums (presented as $21,000 for the department this year).
Supervisors thanked Garrett for the clear timeline and for explaining the ISO-related maintenance and training needs that affect homeowners’ insurance ratings. Garrett said the department relies heavily on volunteers and public donations and that the proposed county increase combined with a town increase (a proposed $40,000 town contribution) would bring the department’s operating budget toward $100,000 annually.
The board did not take an immediate vote on Garrett’s request; supervisors acknowledged the department’s service and asked staff to consider the request in upcoming budget discussions.
