Just shy of $240,000 was distributed by Harrison County commissioners among 16 local fire departments, with each department receiving $14,860.01.
The funds were received from the governor’s All County Fire Protection Grant.
Commission President Susan Thomas and Commissioner David Hinkle initially had considered distributing the funds to only the volunteer departments within the county, of which there are 14. However, Trey Simmerman, county attorney, was unsure if the statute the funds were received under would allow that as he had not yet reviewed it and could not give an informed opinion. Hinkle was against the approval of the funds to all departments, but the motion carried 2-1.