Simpson County officials weigh $1.1 million plan to convert F‑S Fire Rescue to full‑time department

Fire Chief Leslie Goodrum told a joint session of the Simpson County Fiscal Court and the Franklin City Commission on Oct. 18 that converting F‑S Fire Rescue into a full‑time fire department would require about 15 full‑time firefighters working three 24/48 shifts, plus the fire chief and chief deputy for administration. Chief Goodrum said the department currently operates five full‑time positions Monday–Friday (8 a.m.–4 p.m.) and relies on 18 volunteers whose availability is uneven, which affects the community's ISO rating.

Chief Goodrum said the county would need an additional $1,100,000 annually to cover payroll for the proposed staffing model. She also said the current fire station building could not accommodate the additional personnel and that equipment costs — uniforms, radios and personal protective equipment — would add to start‑up expenses. The transcript shows officials discussed a Saturday stipend program for volunteers that exists on an optional basis but said volunteer availability remains inconsistent.

County Judge Executive Mason Barnes and staff provided budget context during the meeting. The record shows the current fire department budget at $869,672 and a city contribution of $308,842, which the minutes record as about 35.5% city‑funded. Officials also presented Simpson County PVA figures showing the countywide assessed value increased by $110,581,092 compared with the prior tax year; participants discussed the assessment increase when considering revenue capacity for new public safety costs.

No formal action or vote to fund the full‑time staffing plan was taken by either the City Commission or the Fiscal Court at the joint session. Officials also discussed, but did not act on, a possible increase to volunteer firefighter call‑out stipends. The meeting record shows further deliberation will be required before any budgetary decision or hiring occurs.