Pike Road council adopts ordinance naming Volunteer Fire Protection Authority as town's fire provider

The Pike Road Town Council adopted Ordinance 2026-0625 on July 22, 2026, designating the Pike Road Volunteer Fire Protection Authority as the town's fire protection and emergency services provider within the corporate limits.

Mayor Gordon Stone returned the meeting from executive session and said the council "has an opportunity to take action on an item in the best interest of the citizens of the Town of Pike Road by partnering with the Pike Road Fire Protection Authority for Fire/Emergency Services." Councilwoman Angie Bradsher moved to suspend the rules to consider the ordinance on its first reading; the motion passed on a roll call. Bradsher then moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-0625; Councilwoman Mim Whatley seconded. The council adopted the ordinance by unanimous vote of the five council members present; Mayor Stone did not cast a vote.

Councilwoman Bradsher and Mayor Stone reassured residents that the town would have continuous fire and emergency services following the action. The minutes note that Rolling Hills Lakes Volunteer Fire Department is no longer serving Pike Road residents and that, at the end of its contract, Waugh-Mt. Meigs VFD will cease service to the town. Council members emphasized the decision was made to ensure no citizen would be without service.

The ordinance was introduced and adopted during the meeting following an executive session called by legal counsel Mark Williams; the council estimated the executive session would last about twenty minutes but returned after approximately 45 minutes. The council voted on the ordinance immediately after returning. No amendments or contingencies to the ordinance were recorded in the minutes.