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Surry County allows Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department to seek tax‑exempt financing for $578,552 apparatus
Summary
Robert Owens and Fire Chief James Sechrist told the board the department needs to replace a 1995 pumper/tanker at a cost of $578,552.25; the Board voted unanimously to allow the department to secure tax‑exempt financing.
At its March 2, 2026 meeting the Surry County Board of Commissioners voted to allow the Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department to obtain tax‑exempt financing to replace a 1995 pumper/tanker.
Robert Owens, chairman of the Pilot Knob Volunteer Fire Department, and James Sechrist, Pilot Knob Fire Chief, presented the request and said the replacement apparatus is priced at $578,552.25. Owens told the Board the new apparatus “will assist them in their efforts to improve their ISO.” The presenters estimated delivery would take two years.
Chairman Bill Goins moved the motion to allow Pilot Knob VFD to secure tax‑exempt financing; Commissioner Van Tucker seconded. The minutes record that the Board voted unanimously to approve the request.
The motion authorizes the department to pursue tax‑exempt borrowing to finance the apparatus purchase; the minutes do not record financing terms, the lender, or any county guarantee. The Board’s recorded action is permissive (allowing the department to secure financing) rather than a county borrowing authorization recorded in the minutes.
Next steps noted in the minutes: no formal follow‑up or appropriation was recorded at the meeting; delivery and procurement timelines were presented by the department as an estimate.
