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Campobello fire chief warns of rising apparatus costs, considers millage increase
Summary
Fire Chief Brandon McNeill told council the department's main engine is over 20 years old and replacement could approach $1 million; he raised volunteer recruitment and staffing safety concerns and said he plans to discuss a potential fire-district millage increase with county officials.
Fire Chief Brandon McNeill told Council that "the department's primary response engine is more than 20 years old and that a replacement engine could cost nearly $1 million compared to approximately $350,000 when the current apparatus was purchased in 2002." He said that rising apparatus and equipment costs, coupled with national challenges recruiting younger volunteers, have strained local volunteer staffing and that minimum staffing requirements for firefighter safety make planning critical.
Chief McNeill said he intends to discuss a possible fire district millage increase with Spartanburg County officials after upcoming elections to secure funding for future apparatus, equipment and staffing needs; Council expressed support for the department. The council and chiefs also discussed take-home vehicles as a recruitment and retention incentive, citing potential benefits for accountability, reduced maintenance and improved emergency response readiness.
Council praised the recent low-cost brush truck acquisition: staff reported the truck was outfitted through collaboration with the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission and the department has invested less than $3,000 into the vehicle, a notable savings compared with the cost of new apparatus.
