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Russell County approves $10,000 toward Eli Fire Department tanker match in split vote
Summary
After discussion about precedent for other departments, the fiscal court approved a $10,000 contribution to help Eli Fire Department meet a $22,000 grant match. The roll call was 3–2 with one abstention.
The Russell County Fiscal Court approved a $10,000 contribution to the Eli Fire Department on May 12 to assist with a $22,000 grant match for a new tanker truck, but the vote exposed concerns among magistrates about whether other departments should receive similar support.
Magistrate Zach Wilson presented the Eli Fire Department's request and asked the court to consider a $10,000 county contribution. Discussion followed about potential precedent and whether other volunteer departments would request matching funds. Magistrate Wilson moved to provide $10,000 and Magistrate Terry Waddell seconded.
A roll-call vote recorded: Waddell — Yes; Garner — No; Wilson — Yes; Richardson — No; Skaggs — Abstain; Judge Randy Marcum — Yes. The motion passed with three votes in favor, two opposed and one abstention.
Why it matters: The county's contribution reduces the local department's match burden and may prompt similar requests from other departments, a concern noted during debate. The split vote indicates differing views among magistrates about discretionary county support for volunteer fire districts.
The county's minutes show the court approved the contribution during the regular meeting; the motion passed and was recorded by roll call.
