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Sevier County updates fire response zones; public commenter raises concern about school survey access
Summary
Fire Administrator Chief David Puckett described multi-year work to redraw fire department response zones aimed at reducing response times; the commission approved the update. During public comment Kelli O'Conner raised concerns about student social-emotional surveys and parental access.
Sevier County commissioners approved updates to county fire department emergency service numbers and response zones at the June 24 meeting after Fire Administrator Chief David Puckett summarized multi-year discussions with area fire chiefs.
Puckett told the commission that call-data analysis, changes in access and new growth motivated the redistricting to reduce emergency response times and improve service. He said the state Fire Marshal’s office requires response-zone reviews every three years, and the proposed changes were intended to better align resources with current call patterns. The commission approved the resolution by roll call vote (20 yes, 0 no, 5 absent).
Separately during the public-comment portion of the meeting, Kelli O'Conner urged the commission to review school district allocations for student social-emotional learning and well-being surveys and raised concerns about parental access to surveys, analyses and evaluations under recently updated law. O'Conner requested clarity and access for parents or legal guardians before surveys or evaluations are conducted.
The commission took no immediate vote on the public comment but recorded the concern in the meeting minutes. The redistricting resolution will proceed to implementation by county fire administration and affected fire chiefs.
