Holmes County commissioners approve $8,000 for local volunteer fire department

A volunteer fire department representative told the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners on March 17 that the department is facing urgent operating shortfalls and equipment repairs and asked the board for $8,000 to cover expenses and repay local labor.

The representative described facility repairs and termite damage to a storage room, an intake of donated materials and labor, the loss of nonprofit (501(c)(3)) paperwork that has complicated grant applications, and heavy call volumes — citing 213 calls last year and about 61 calls to date this year. He detailed recent expenses including fuel, training supplies, utilities, building repairs and truck maintenance, and said the department had $2,335 remaining in its account.

"I'm requesting $8,000 for additional operating money and to pay back work we've had done," the fire department representative said, describing an outstanding debt to a local volunteer and ongoing grant‑application steps to recover 50% of certain truck repair costs through a state VFA reimbursement.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about grant reimbursement timelines and whether the county should wait for firm repair estimates before committing funds. After discussion, the board moved and seconded an allocation to provide immediate operating support. The motion passed with the commissioners present voting in favor.

The board directed staff to note the department's pending state reimbursement effort and to coordinate with the department on documentation the county will need if grant reimbursements materialize. No timetable for full repayment or conditions on the allocation were stated in the meeting record.

The county's action provides short‑term operating support while the volunteer department continues to pursue state grant reimbursements and private donations for vehicle repairs and facility work.