New program will help finance volunteer fire departments in Iredell County

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — 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.

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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.

Houpe said that’s a big win because there’s a steady decline in volunteer firefighters.

Supporters of the fire protection service say the county could buy items in bulk, like air packs, which could save each department money in the long run.

But it all comes with a price -- a .09% fire tax rate for homeowners in Mount Mourne, Shepherds, Stony Point and Troutman. On a $200,000 home with a new rate, taxes will increase $40 a year.

County commissioners will determine how the funding is split among fire departments.

A handful of firefighters from varying departments told Channel 9 they were apprehensive about where and how the money would be spent. Still, Houpe said it’s a change they’ve been working on for years.

“We wanted to get it right, we weren’t doing it fast,” he said.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the changes, which will take effect July 1.