# County Council Fire District Consolidation Workshop, Thursday, October 1, 2026

The BCTV County Council Fire District Consolidation Workshop on October 1, 2026, focused on a proposed consultant study of fire service organization, costs, and governance. County administration said it had solicited qualifications, reviewed three consultant submissions, and selected a consultant, with an award and contract still pending. The initial scope covered several northern county fire districts and examined current and projected costs, funding and debt obligations, service demand and standards, and governance. No contract amount was stated, and no award vote was taken during the workshop.

Council members and fire chiefs urged broadening the study beyond the initial North of the Broad scope, including consideration of Bluffton, Daufuskie Island, and FRIP, and inviting Hilton Head to provide input. Participants also raised automatic aid, dispatch, staffing and facilities, legal and financial mechanics, and possible EMS coordination. Administration was asked to share the RFQ with the chiefs, revisit the scope, and establish consultant milestones and opportunities for the chiefs to participate in an ad hoc review process. The discussion produced no final consolidation decision; the stated aim was to gather data and assess options for service and cost outcomes.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Emergency Response
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Sources
- [County Council Fire District Consolidation Workshop, Thursday, October 1, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frFJmRjKGKo) - BCTV