Laurens County Council gave unanimous 2nd reading approval last evening to the 2015-201 Laurens County Fire budget. It proposes $371,001.17 for operating the rural fire departments and another $460,434.52 for payments to Clinton and Fountain Inn to provide fire coverage to areas outside city limits.
Councilman Ted Nash questioned the numbers for his Fountain Inn District’s budget of $205,493.00 as compared to the Clinton Rural budget of $283,940.00. Nash noted the Fountain Inn district is small but more populated than Clinton Rural. Councilman David Pitts responded that the Clinton Rural District has double the calls of Fountain Inn.
Council Chair Joe Wood said that this matter would be discussed and resolved before the third and final reading at the next Council meeting.
Also in the fire budget, the projected general fund projected balance after the carryover of $55,000.00 from last year is $2,208,375.
Cost of new two-way radio equipment being required by the FCC was not included in the budget. Council was advised that cost of new radio get to comply with new FCC regulations for Fire and EMS is expected to total $410,000. Leasing arrangements are expected to be made to finance the purchase.