Smaller volunteer fire departments in Iredell County rely on set funding from the county and private fundraisers to keep the lights on, but commissioners have found a way to finance all the fire departments under a new fire protection program.
“There are all kinds of different needs in the county, so we’ve got to provide as much as an equitable service,” said County Commissioner Gene Houpe.
The change will not impact Mooresville or Statesville because they both have their own fire departments, but it will change how unincorporated Iredell County fire departments are funded. For instance, volunteer departments like Mount Mourne are responsible for paying for equipment like radios, hoses and gear. But the county will foot the bill allowing each department to focus on other operations, like staffing.