Fire service funding: One size does not fit all

Sussex County Council appears to be willing to help volunteer fire departments, recently announcing ideas to help stabilize finances. It’s important, however, that county officials continue to work closely with each individual fire department before final decisions are made, because what works for one department may not work for another.

There is no question the need is real. A housing boom across Sussex County has brought more residents, more traffic and more emergency calls. Fire departments are now dealing with thousands of ambulance runs every year, and those calls are expensive. Insurance reimbursements often do not cover the full cost of service, and the costs of equipment, fuel and maintenance continue to rise. When department leaders say they are struggling to keep up, the county is right to listen.

The proposal to coordinate ambulance billing and help purchase ambulances is a thoughtful attempt to address long-term financial stability instead of simply writing larger checks each year. Standardizing billing practices could help departments collect more of the money they are owed, and a countywide ambulance purchasing program could reduce costs and shorten delivery times for much-needed vehicles. Using existing realty transfer tax revenue rather than raising taxes also shows an effort to be responsible with public funds.

Still, the county must remember that Sussex County’s fire service is not one-size-fits-all. As Rehoboth Fire Chief Mike Simpler points out, some departments already have billing systems that work well. Others rely on different staffing models or subscription programs that may not fit neatly into a countywide plan. Chiefs and volunteers are the ones responding to calls at all hours, and their experience should guide any changes that affect daily operations.

The county’s effort to find common ground regarding financial responsibility and public safety is commendable. Moving forward, the best path is continued collaboration. By listening carefully to every department and adjusting the plan where needed, county officials can strengthen emergency services without creating new problems for the volunteers they are trying to help.