Warren County looking to generate more money for volunteer fire departments

WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – Warren County volunteer fire stations are undergoing changes and are looking for ways to better equip the volunteer fire departments across the county.

Warren County fire coordinator Bill Rector says that while the volunteer fire departments are meeting the needs of the community, changes will be coming down the line soon that will require funds to better equip our county firefighters. Soon, the Warren County Fiscal Court will be discussing a homeowners premium fee that could generate more money for the volunteer fire departments.

Rector says there are a few ways to generate more money that all have their pros and cons, however, they are looking for the most efficient method that lessens the impact on Warren County residents and maximizes the fire departments capabilities to serve the community and funds them with some much needed money.

“They all have their different pros and cons. And as a taxpayer, I want the best for my dollar. And then I also want the best for the fire departments. So this money will allow us to provide the necessary support to the fire departments that that we need,” Rector said.

Rector says that change to these volunteer fire departments won’t be immediate but could be noticeable within the next few months. The change, however, will be constant in hopes to keep up with the departments changing needs as the county continues to grow.

“We’re going to look at every option under the sun to determine, you know, a futuristic plan of 20 year replacement, doing some purchasing in the meantime, but realizing that this isn’t going to be the snap of a finger resolution. This is going to be a long term project and you’re going to be able to see as the taxpayers results very quickly. But just know that this is going to be constantly evolving and constantly changing,” Rector said.

Rector says that the fire departments are doing a good job of handling the needs of the community, but changes, such as new trucks and even new stations, need to be made.