Rockdale County Board Of Commissioners Budget Hearing Work Session
The Budget Hearing Work Session for the Fire Rescue Department covered several updates and future considerations. Key successes highlighted included the implementation of a new fee schedule expected to generate approximately $100,000 in revenue to offset Fire Marshal office costs, the graduation of 16 new firefighter EMTs with another recruit school planned, the acquisition of two new Quint apparatus and one engine apparatus (expected later in the year), facility improvements such as a new generator for Station 4, reconstruction of Station 5, and roof replacement at Station 7, implementation of Lexipole SOP software, increased funding for Special Operations teams (Hazmat, Trench Rescue, Dive, Swift Water Rescue), installation of gas monitors on all apparatus, and an effort to improve social media branding. Challenges discussed included staff retention, the need for a new training facility/burn building, and the impact of community growth, which saw a 53% increase in call volume over 15 years despite only marginal increases in stations and personnel. The department has also begun lateral hiring to bring in experienced personnel and is actively seeking grant opportunities. Finally, the aging fleet presents a significant challenge, with apparatus lead times reaching 48 to 54 months, and a policy change was implemented to reduce fire apparatus dispatch for simple abdominal pain calls to ensure availability for more critical emergencies.