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Board rejects immediate increase for Newmarket Volunteer Fire & Rescue after lengthy debate over equity and certification
Summary
Supervisors debated whether Newmarket Volunteer Fire & Rescue should receive an increased county contribution. Supporters cited shared ambulance service and out-of-pocket costs; opponents urged an advisory review of funding equity across volunteer stations. A motion to increase Newmarket's contribution failed by roll call (two ayes, five no).
The Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors engaged in an extended debate over whether to increase annual county contributions to the Newmarket Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company.
Supporters of additional funding said Newmarket provides apparatus, personnel and ambulance service that benefits the county and argued the company is entitled to the same treatment as other volunteer stations. One supervisor said Newmarket's combined reimbursements and service-related allocations totaled roughly $226,000 in the prior year when mileage, personnel, insurance and other items were included.
Opponents said any change should be considered in the context of all volunteer companies and recommended an advisory group or oversight committee evaluate equitable funding across stations. Several supervisors and staff noted that Newmarket has operated under the county's license and that the company had not completed recertification steps the county expected after an agreement a decade earlier. County staff and volunteer leaders discussed paperwork and vehicle-equipment certification as barriers to returning to a certified status.
A motion to increase Newmarket's contribution was made and seconded. Roll-call votes recorded during the meeting were: Ralston — Aye; Baker — No; Taylor — No; Ferguson — No; Morris — No; Stevens — Aye. The motion failed, 2–5. Several supervisors asked staff to expedite a broader advisory review of volunteer funding and training needs so the board can consider equitable options in the future.
