Board approves first reading of regional fire training agreement; second reading set for June 11

The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on May 28 approved on first reading an ordinance that would renew an intergovernmental agreement among regional jurisdictions to operate the Roanoke Regional Fire Training Center at Kessler Mill.

Rachel Lauer, deputy county attorney, told the board that the 1999 agreement set forth terms for shared construction, maintenance and operation of the multi‑jurisdictional training center and that the draft renewal is proposed to take effect July 1 with an initial three‑year term and an option to extend for two additional years. Lauer said the county has taken the lead in drafting the new agreement and provided the draft to the other participating localities.

Lauer said the draft allocates operating costs as follows: Roanoke County 48 percent, Roanoke City 44 percent and the City of Salem 8 percent. The presenter identified the total annual operating cost of the center as $120,000 and noted, under that allocation, Roanoke County’s annual share would be $57,600.

Fire and Rescue Chief Travis Griffith described frequent use of the facility — “we’re currently running a minimum of 3 rookie schools a year” plus volunteer fire and EMT academies — and said the county hopes the facility can continue to operate for five more years in its current condition with routine upkeep.

A board member moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and schedule a second reading for June 11; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with all present members voting 'Yes'.

The draft includes standard withdrawal and payment provisions: participating localities are expected to pay operating shares upfront for the year and a withdrawing party would be required to give 12 months’ notice so others can plan for fiscal impacts, with no refund for prepaid annual fees.