McDowell County approves Marion-area fire tax increase to add full-time firefighters

The McDowell County Board of Commissioners approved a 2-cent Marion-area fire tax on June 15 to fund additional firefighter staffing in the Marion Fire Department. The motion carried by recorded voice vote and was entered on the record as a 4-0 decision.

Marion Fire Chief Corey Pressnell told commissioners the department hired a third-party firm in 2023 to produce a 126-page staffing study that recommended seven firefighters per shift. "Currently, we're at four," Pressnell said, and the department has seen "a 118% increase in calls." He said the department is on track to run about 3,000 calls this year and that a 2-cent increase, split 50/50 with the city under an existing agreement, would cover the county's share of three new full-time hires (the county would fund 1.5 positions with the city's pledged match covering the rest), including salary, benefits and equipment.

Commissioners discussed volunteer shortages, mutual-aid relationships and the countywide benefits of bolstering Marion's staffing. One commissioner noted the fire department's staffing changes affect ISO ratings and mutual-aid capacity across McDowell County.

The board's approval authorizes staff to incorporate the increase and the associated personnel and equipment costs into the county budget. Chief Pressnell thanked the board after the vote and said the department will begin hiring steps under the agreed funding arrangement. The board did not set an exact hiring timeline during the session; staff and the city must finalize the 50/50 funding arrangements and budgeting details before hires begin.