Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Geneva County fire association urges commission to consider dedicated funding as tobacco tax revenue falls
Summary
The Geneva County Fire Association told commissioners the state-designated tobacco-tax revenue that has supported county fire departments is dwindling and asked the county to explore funding options, including a possible fee or tax for fire and EMS services.
Kyle Hovey, representing the Geneva County Fire Association, told the Geneva County Commission on Jan. 12 that the state-designated tobacco tax that has been channeled to county fire departments is diminishing while operating costs rise. Hovey said the association is seeking ideas and county consideration of a new tax or fee to support fire and EMS services; he noted four of the county's ten fire districts already assess a fire fee on property tax.
The request followed a review of local public-safety needs by commissioners. Chairman Toby Seay and Commissioner Jeff Hatcher acknowledged growth in the county and the pressure that places on volunteer and paid emergency services. No formal motion or funding commitment was made; commissioners asked staff to continue discussing options and did not set a timeline for action.
