Lake Park council asks staff to explore contracting fire services with Lowndes County

Lake Park — Council Member Zach Fletcher raised the prospect of dissolving the Lake Park Volunteer Fire Department and contracting with Lowndes County for fire coverage when the county opens a new station at 4875 S. Hwy 41, prompting council discussion and direction to staff.

Fletcher framed the proposal around response times and services available from a county provider, and noted the operational differences between dedicated career firefighters and volunteers who must leave jobs to respond. The council did not take a final vote on dissolving the volunteer department; instead Fletcher moved to authorize City Clerk Lisa Johnson to begin identifying requirements, roles and responsibilities, equipment needs and the process to pursue a contract with Lowndes County. Council Member Blake McMillan seconded the motion and it carried unanimously, 4-0.

Fire Chief Joey Perkins had earlier reported equipment issues at the station, telling the council that “the air conditioning is not functional in all three fire trucks,” a maintenance item the council asked staff to get quotes to repair. The operational and equipment concerns were discussed as part of the council’s broader review of options for delivering fire service.

During public comment, resident Bob Wilburs warned that a contract that failed to make use of the existing Lake Park station or to require Lowndes County to staff that facility would “be doing a disservice to the citizens of Lake Park.” The council did not adopt any terms or enter negotiations during the meeting; it directed the clerk to gather information and return with requirements and options for the council to review.

Next steps: staff will compile the required service levels, equipment lists, and draft contract considerations for council review; the council did not set a deadline in the meeting for a follow-up report.