Tates Creek FD fearful of being starved by County’s budget

A local fire department fears the county’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget will not allow them to operate throughout the year.

At the recent Stephens County Board of Commissioners meeting, Tates Creek Fire Department’s Chief John Baird came before the board requesting a budget amendment to increase the Tates Creek Fire Department’s budget for FY’19.

According to Baird, his department is only allotted $19,735; whereas, he had requested $24,376.

He says in order for his department to operate, its budget would need to be increased by $4,641.

Chairman Michelle Ivester told Baird that during the budget retreat, her fellow commissioners agreed to distribute funds based on a number of specifics, such as call volume and response.

However, Baird said call volume is important; yet, it should not be a determining factor in funds disbursement.

“Call volume is important; but, that doesn’t account for emergency repairs. And you never know how much or what repairs there’s going to be,” Baird said.

Ivester recommended the budget be kept the same, despite Baird claims that this budget will not allow him to purchase the equipment the state requires a fire department to have.

However, Vice Chairman Dean Scarborough asked if Baird had sought out the Chiefs Council for a solution.

Baird said that he met with them last month.

“I met with them last month, but they just said ‘we would be fine.’ They didn’t want to discuss it,” Baird said.

Despite Baird’s argument, no action was taken.

WNEG News will continue to provide coverage on this developing story.