Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department requests modest operating increase and loan assistance for engine

Jonathan Garrett, representing the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department, presented the department’s 2023 activity (343 calls: 243 county, 82 town, 11 outside county), summarized its operating budget and described rising operating and capital pressures.

Garrett said the department currently receives $57,000 annually from the county and $27,000 from the town and that donations vary; he requested a $3,000 county increase to bring the county contribution to $60,000 per year. He also asked the board to consider a one-time $50,000 deposit this year into a certificate of deposit and a second $50,000 deposit next year to be applied to the remaining loan balance on Engine 1 (presented as roughly $130,000–$135,000 outstanding). The request was presented alongside a breakdown of PPE replacement (roughly $4,000 per firefighter on a 10-year cycle), equipment replacement like nozzles (~$1,000 each), annual pump and hose testing, aerial maintenance, and insurance premiums (presented as $21,000 for the department this year).

Supervisors thanked Garrett for the clear timeline and for explaining the ISO-related maintenance and training needs that affect homeowners’ insurance ratings. Garrett said the department relies heavily on volunteers and public donations and that the proposed county increase combined with a town increase (a proposed $40,000 town contribution) would bring the department’s operating budget toward $100,000 annually.

The board did not take an immediate vote on Garrett’s request; supervisors acknowledged the department’s service and asked staff to consider the request in upcoming budget discussions.