Brunswick County fire departments in need of funding to support growth

BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) —  Brunswick County is trying to accommodate the growing needs of fire services. That’s why commissioners met Friday morning for a fire study workshop.

Seven funding alternatives for the next fiscal year were presented some of which would mean a tax increase.

“From the fire chiefs, what they have told us is that funding is an issue, and it is,” Brian Watts, Emergency Management Director, said.

Watts knows how important every second is during an emergency which is why he says it’s crucial to get funding to those who keep us safe.

He says a volunteer shortage, no central training center and departments with diverse needs are just some of the reasons why a fire study was necessary.

Watts said with the lack of volunteers most departments are forced to use nearly 87% of the budget for staffing which means less money to replace or improve equipment and trucks. A project the extra funding would possibly go toward is a fire and rescue training center in conjunction with the community college.

A consulting firm gave funding recommendations to commissioners including a “single county fire and rescue service district tax” which would be a five to six percent tax increase. This option would replace fire fees. Another option would be a regional approach where a tax would depend on where you live.

“I really feel like the best option for us right now is to look at revising our current funding mechanism through legislative approval,” Vice Chair Randy Thompson said.

Before making a long term decision, commissioners plan to ask the General Assembly to allow the county to raise the existing fire fees up to 10 percent.

“In 2001, the rates were increased,” Watts said. “In 2007, the rates were increased and that has been 10 years.”

Thompson says they need to do a more in-depth analysis but this option will allow fire departments to continue operating until a long term plan is in place.

“It will allow us an opportunity to do a much thorough assessment to determine how we set our course for the future,” Thompson said.

Commission will meet Monday to vote during a budget workshop set at 9 a.m.