Officials present data-driven funding formula for Christiansburg fire and EMS operations

Staff for Montgomery County and the Town of Christiansburg presented a recommended funding formula at a joint meeting on Aug. 17 that uses population and call-volume data to allocate operating costs for the Christiansburg first-due fire and EMS district. The presenters said the model is intended as a first-phase approach focused on operating and personnel costs; capital items such as stations and equipment are outside the scope of this proposal.

April DeMotts, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, described the exercise as a way to "put quantifiable numbers behind the amount of money that we're pushing forward," and staff told members the formula would be adjusted over time as population, response areas or new stations change. Presenters also outlined a process for an annual true-up to reconcile estimated allocations with actual call data and budgeted revenues.

The presenters emphasized the model's goals of equitability, sustainability and flexibility. They said staff would develop a memorandum of agreement between the county and towns to address significant year-over-year cost changes and establish predictable procedures for reconciliation and reporting. Staff noted the model will be reviewed during the FY28 budget process and could be revised after the initial implementation year.