Board directs Flint Hill staffing if Warren County does not recommit funding for Chester Gap

The Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors voted March 2 to move ahead with a Flint Hill‑based emergency medical services staffing plan if Warren County does not renew its financial support for the Chester Gap volunteer EMS arrangement.

The motion—carried by the board after discussion and a public safety committee recommendation—directs the county’s fire and rescue department to implement Flint Hill Volunteer Fire & Rescue staffing “as recommended by the public safety committee” if Warren County fails to provide immediate funding at its March 3 meeting and does not reach mutually agreed terms by its April meeting.

Board members described a history of interim extensions and said Chester Gap has relied on drawdowns of limited reserves and ad hoc operating adjustments to sustain service. Under the prior interlocal arrangements, Rappahannock County has paid the majority of operational costs; Warren County’s proposed three‑month contribution was identified as about $45,300.

Supervisor comments emphasized competing priorities: some members urged giving Warren County the opportunity to act; others said Rappahannock cannot continue floating operations without firm commitments. The board’s directive is designed to create a clear trigger: if Warren County does not recommit funding by its March 3 meeting and agree on renegotiated terms at its April meeting, Rappahannock will transition to its Flint Hill staffing plan so county coverage is uninterrupted.

County staff said implementing Flint Hill paid staffing will increase county cost compared with the old contract but should improve operational reliability. The board asked staff to bring back the implementation schedule and budgetary details required to stand up Flint Hill staffing if the contingency is triggered.

Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 2854; motion recorded and voted SEG 3525–3669.