Supervisors trim EMS Council request, level‑fund TJEMS and discuss turnout gear costs

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors on March 22 reviewed funding for emergency services and volunteer fire and rescue agencies and made several funding decisions and referrals.

Chair J. David Parr told the Board the EMS Council agreed to reduce the Gladstone agency’s request by $5,500 by classifying it as a Fire agency rather than Fire & Rescue. County staff updated funding sheets accordingly.

The Board discussed TJEMS, which provides EMT training and assistance with state grant applications. After feedback about the shift of training to online formats and varying local uptake, the Board reached consensus to level‑fund TJEMS at $10,000 (a reduction of $500 from TJEMS’ original request).

Supervisors raised equipment needs for volunteer departments, notably turnout gear that costs about $3,500–$4,000 per firefighter. Finance Director Linda K. Staton noted the county just distributed approximately $66,000 in Fire Funds and has about $20,000 in Four for Life funds available to support equipment purchases. Supervisors suggested EMS Council review strategies for turnout gear replacement cycles and grant opportunities (including RSAF grants through TJEMS).

Board members also discussed Air‑Paks and generator purchases, and the potential to negotiate countywide phone/internet service through Firefly to reduce recurring costs. The Board asked staff to continue coordination with volunteer agencies and to consider procurement or grant paths for costly safety equipment.