Volunteer Fire Ad-Hoc Committee 9/22/26

The Sumner County Volunteer Fire Ad-Hoc Committee met on September 22, 2026, to discuss budget guidelines, equipment standards, and the establishment of a fire marshal/coordinator position. Key procurement-related discussions included reviewing the age and operability of fire engines and equipment across departments, with emphasis on replacing aging apparatus within NFPA standards. The committee approved motions to adopt budget reporting templates and recommended allocating $150,000 (fully loaded with benefits) for the new fire marshal/coordinator position, including a budget for vehicle and office needs. They also authorized forming a permanent fire services subcommittee with adjusted membership to include two volunteer fire department chiefs and two county commissioners. Grant coordination was discussed, emphasizing the coordinator's role in assisting departments with grant applications without taking over submissions. Equipment lifespan standards, such as SCBA and tanks, were amended to reflect a 10 to 15-year service life. These recommendations will be forwarded to the Health and Emergency Services committee for further consideration.