Commission boosts volunteer fire department contributions to $80,000 each

Rutherford County’s Budget, Finance and Investment Committee voted June 17 to increase its contribution to three volunteer fire departments to $80,000 each, after commissioners expressed concern about rising expenses and response gaps in large volunteer districts.

Commissioner James urged restoration of higher funding for the area’s largest volunteer district, saying the district “is in a great need with the expenses that have gone up” and asking the committee “to put that number back up to … the 120,000 to match last year's budget” for full funding where possible. Chair members noted the committee’s recommendation had originally proposed a lower amount for this cycle.

A motion to raise the contribution to $80,000 for each of the three departments was moved, seconded and approved on a roll call vote. The committee recorded a majority in favor with one commissioner voting no; the chair announced the motion carries.

Finance staff told commissioners that last year each of the three departments had received $120,000 and that the committee’s earlier recommended amount for the current cycle had been $50,000 per department. Committee members cited long response times and mutual‑aid delays in some areas as drivers of the change.

The committee’s action amends the county’s recommended budget and will be reflected in the appropriation documents sent to the full commission. No additional procedural requirements for an off‑agenda public hearing were announced.