Board of Commissioners Special Workshop

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners held a special workshop on May 20, 2026, focused on fire services and emergency response funding and operations. Consultants from NC Fire Chiefs Consulting presented a comprehensive report analyzing the county's fire service delivery, funding models, apparatus age, volunteer challenges, and staffing needs. Key procurement-related discussions included exploring funding options such as service districts, overlay districts, and general fund allocations to support capital improvements like fire apparatus and facilities. The board discussed potential bulk purchasing of equipment like air packs to reduce costs and considered establishing a fire commission to advise on funding and operational matters. Commissioners and fire chiefs emphasized the need for increased funding, improved capital planning, and addressing weekday staffing shortages. A consensus emerged to form a committee of commissioners, county staff, and fire chiefs to further evaluate funding models and develop recommendations for future procurement and service delivery strategies. No formal votes on funding changes were taken, but the board planned to revisit the topic in upcoming meetings.