7/28/26 Health, Welfare and Recreation (HWR) Committee

The Coffee County Health, Welfare and Recreation Committee met July 28, 2026. Rural fire departments reported on the county-supported smoke-alarm program and equipment purchased with rural tax funds, including turnout gear, SCBA equipment, fire hose, pagers, ventilators, trailers and trucks. North Coffee reported installing 597 smoke alarms in 133 homes since 2021 and described the funding as a major help; other departments also reported recent alarm installations and equipment purchases. Members emphasized that expenditures are documented through purchase orders and receipts. No new fire-department purchase or contract was approved at the meeting.

The committee discussed a rural water project on J.E. Sartain Road: $36,000 is allocated, but the project remains stalled because Manchester Water requires a 6-inch line while the available plan funds a 4-inch line; an estimated $18,000 more is needed to close the gap. Members also discussed grant funding, citing amounts of $23,775 for Hickerson Station, $90,000 for the Coffee County Rescue Squad, and $34,500 for Summitville. A $385,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant application for a truck is pending. The mayor urged departments to pursue available grants. The committee approved the prior minutes and later adjourned; no vote authorizing the water project’s additional funding or other procurement was recorded.