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Volunteer firefighters press county for stable support; commission adds $5,000 per department
Summary
Volunteer department leaders testified about recruitment and operating costs and urged the commission not to reduce funding; the committee later increased each volunteer fire department appropriation by $5,000 and approved funding at $80,000 per department.
Leaders and volunteers from Hamblen County’s volunteer fire departments urged the budget committee on June 8 not to cut or reduce local appropriations, saying small budget line items categorized as "recreation" are important for retention, fundraising and morale.
"Volunteer fire departments are essential emergency response agencies staffed by men and women who sacrifice personal time, family time, and often their own resources to protect the citizens of Hamblen County," said Renee Jernigan, captain and firefighter at South Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department. She listed rising costs — turnout gear cited at $4,446 — and described how fundraisers and community events help sustain volunteer rosters.
Mark Hickman, fire chief at West Hamblen County Fire Department, said recreation items amount to roughly 4% of his department’s budget and said neighboring counties contribute far more in total support.
Commissioners discussed replacing the denied increase and the trade-offs of shifting pennies from the school property tax. After debate, the committee voted to increase each volunteer fire department appropriation by $5,000 — bringing the per-department allocation to $80,000 — and then reopened the general fund item to reflect that change.
The committee recorded roll calls on the change; finance staff stated the amendment would leave a modest excess in the amended general fund before final adoption. Commissioners said they may revisit 911 funding and other public-safety allocations during subsequent meetings.
What this means: The vote increases annual, recurring appropriations to volunteer fire departments by $5,000 each; commissioners noted the increase was possible after one-time fund moves but cautioned about long-term sustainability.
