Committee flags funding uncertainty and public concern over earlier facets report as study proceeds

Committee members and fire service representatives told the New Castle County Fire Service Strategic Planning Committee on June 10 that they lack a confirmed funding source for the proposed operational study and that identifying cost estimates through an RFI is a priority before issuing a binding RFP.

One participant referenced a figure of "$389,732" during discussion of county and potential state offsets; the transcript does not show that sum as a committed funding source, and committee members emphasized the amount and funding source were not finalized. Members noted contingency funds and possible state aid as potential sources but said availability and timing remain uncertain.

Fire service representatives expressed concern about prior processes, saying the fire service was not included during an earlier review of the facets report and that access and timing of the previous report's final product had been a point of contention. A fire service representative stated the committee would need a clear dollar figure before asking fire companies for contributions and acknowledged legal questions could affect whether the committee would have full access to any resulting report.

During the public comment period an online commenter urged the committee to address outstanding recommendations from the earlier facets report and warned that delay could imperil some volunteer companies. "The facets report has been out for a couple years now and all we have done is really kick the can down the road," the commenter said, urging the committee to put facets report recommendations on a future agenda.

Committee members responded that the operational study is intended to produce the cost and policy answers needed to make funding proposals, but several acknowledged it will likely be a multi‑year process with realistic earliest implementation around FY28 or FY29, depending on budget cycles and approvals.

The committee asked staff to report back with RFI responses and confirmed a June 24 meeting to continue discussions about funding, access to study materials, and next steps.