Onslow County

This document outlines the Fire Services Master Plan for Onslow County, NC, addressing critical issues within the existing fire services system. The plan identifies challenges such as a lack of trust, transparency, and communication, along with system fragmentation and insufficient standardization across apparatus, training, equipment, and operations. It also highlights concerns regarding staffing levels and county oversight. To address these, the plan proposes a multi-phase approach focusing on regaining trust, enhancing communication, implementing long-term financial and capital funding, improving staffing and accountability for both career and volunteer personnel, reducing fragmentation through systemwide processes and procedures, and developing long-term apparatus and facilities plans, including county ownership of future assets.

The Board addressed a public comment period regarding commissioner roles and local priorities. Key discussion centered on the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget, specifically focusing on the funding of additional staff positions without raising the tax rate. Administrative updates were provided regarding upcoming office closures and the cancellation of a scheduled meeting. Additionally, the Board discussed safety features for a new YMCA pool facility and preparation for the upcoming Freedom Festival celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation.

This Fire Services Master Plan for Onslow County, North Carolina, serves as a strategic roadmap for its fire protection and emergency services. Developed to be implemented over a 5-10 year period, it addresses critical issues within the system, including a lack of trust and communication among agencies, system fragmentation, and inconsistent operational standards. Key strategic priorities include improving governance and oversight, optimizing funding mechanisms, enhancing personnel recruitment and retention (both volunteer and career), ensuring effective staffing levels, maintaining apparatus and facilities, fostering continuous training, and strengthening community risk reduction programs. The plan aims to achieve improved relationships, standardized operations, and increased public safety to meet future demands and growth.

The Commission meeting covered updates regarding contract negotiations and the status of the procurement of a new records management system. Discussions on new business included a review of outstanding departmental audit submissions, the ongoing transition in emergency services leadership roles, and the upcoming process for departments to submit budget requests, including a focus on compiling data for a ten-year fire service funding plan.

The commission held elections for the positions of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. A regular meeting schedule was established, set for the third Thursday of each quarter, with a specific adjustment made for the upcoming meeting in April. Members were provided with updated bylaws. The commission identified priority items including a Fire Service Study, a review of the Volunteer Fire Service Contract, and the budget process. A subcommittee was formed to review contract comments and gather feedback. Additionally, a status update on the budget submission process was provided.