A workshop with the goal of bringing together two sides of a discussion saw some closure in the divide as Jefferson County commissioners and volunteers with the county’s fire departments discussed how to fund fire services in the county.
Ronnie Shutts, chief of Friendship Fire Company, serves as president of the Jefferson County Fire and Rescue Association. At the start of the meeting, hosted by the association, Shutts laid out procedural rules to follow, which were adhered to by all participating.
“We appreciate the county commission coming for this funding discussion,” Shutts said. The majority of the evening’s discussion was held in efforts to educate both sides. Fire-and-rescue members did not seek additional funds from the county in their annual budget requests, but the Emergency Services Agency, that provides paid ambulance service, requested 27 additional positions at a cost of over $2 million.