Fire Tax District Increases for Four Volunteer Fire Departments
Wilkes County
Summary
The board gave up to $4,000 for a barbecue thanking the ~250 volunteers who fought the 700-acre McGrady-Traphill-Mulberry fire. Chairman Kennedy noted much of that area is outside fire districts, generating no fire tax, and the General Assembly has so far declined to fix it.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 19, 2026.
Impact analysis
Up to $4,000 from the commissioners' contingency fund.
The volunteer firefighters and fire departments that responded to the wildfire.
Property owners in those districts would see higher fire tax bills if the increases are approved.
Mentions & discussions (2)
County Commissioners (Regular) - May 19, 2026
Four volunteer fire departments say rising costs for trucks, gear, fuel, and insurance are outpacing their tax revenue and are asking for rate increases totaling roughly $170,000 combined. The board heard each request but hasn't decided yet.
County Commissioners (Regular) - Apr 7, 2026
The board gave up to $4,000 for a barbecue thanking the ~250 volunteers who fought the 700-acre McGrady-Traphill-Mulberry fire. Chairman Kennedy noted much of that area is outside fire districts, generating no fire tax, and the General Assembly has so far declined to fix it.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Wilkes County
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.