Two counties have a plan to protect residents and fund a local fire and rescue agency. Pittsylvania County asked Franklin County to help shoulder the burden of the Cool Branch fire and rescue squad. Pittsylvania County gave Franklin County leaders a December 1 deadline to negotiate how to equally fund Cool Branch Fire and Rescue with three options. Currently, Pittsylvania County is bearing more of the cost, even though county officials say 60% of EMS calls in 2019 took place in Franklin County.
Franklin County officials say they have come up with a plan to help even things out which includes adjusting the county line.
Cool Branch Fire and Rescue would become part of the Franklin County Public Safety System and the agency would still provide volunteer service to Pittsylvania County.
Their proposal also includes Pittsylvania County paying $20,000 annually rather than the $60,000 they were already contributing.