Court increases per-run stipend for firefighters, tables wider equipment decisions

Members of the Stanton Fire Department asked the fiscal court to raise the longstanding $10 per-run payment to firefighters. Enoch Thomas, who said he has served for 35 years, told the court the stipend helps reimburse gear and travel expenses and supports recruitment. After discussion the court voted to increase the county contribution line by $5,000 in the 2026/2027 budget and to raise the per-run rate to $20; the motion carried with Judge Executive Eddie Barnes and Magistrate Brian McKinney recorded as abstaining.