Two Madison County fire districts press for higher millage; board tables one request and approves intent for another

Representatives of two volunteer fire districts appeared before the Madison County Board of Supervisors on June 15 seeking tax increases aimed at sustaining operations and improving pay for firefighters.

South Madison County Fire Department: Eddie Price, who identified himself as chairman of the board of commissioners, requested raising the district’s millage from 10 to 12 mills. Price said the department has lost roughly 30% of its firefighters to higher pay elsewhere and described a funding gap he estimated at about $600,000. Board members pressed the presenters for financial documentation, comparisons to neighboring municipal pay and confirmation that residents had been notified. One supervisor proposed denying the request outright; that motion failed for lack of a second. The board ultimately voted to table the request and asked district leaders to provide year-to-date or prior-year financial statements and pay comparisons for review at the next board meeting in roughly three weeks.

Valley View Volunteer Fire Department: The board reported it had investigated a prior request from Valley View to increase millage from 9 to 11 mills. Staff presented a resolution of intent to increase the millage by two mills and publish the required public notices three times over 21 days. The board approved the resolution of intent by voice vote.

What happens next: South Madison County Fire Department must return with detailed financials, including year-to-date figures and comparisons to neighboring municipalities’ firefighter pay; the board expects to revisit the request at the next meeting. For Valley View, staff will publish notice as required and follow the statutory process for a millage increase.

Sources: Public presentation and motions on the June 15 Madison County Board of Supervisors meeting.