Summary
After losing the county Rescue Squad last year, eight volunteer fire departments have signed contracts to provide rescue services at $1,000 per out-of-district call through June 30, 2026. A more permanent arrangement still needs to be worked out.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
$1,000 per out-of-district rescue call, with 66 calls so far this fiscal year.
Anyone needing rescue services in Wilkes County, especially in outlying districts.
Mentions & discussions (3)
County Commissioners (Regular) - Oct 6, 2026
All eight volunteer fire departments signed new three-year rescue contracts running through June 2029. Response data is strong: 52 rescue calls this year with a 9-minute-20-second average response time.
County Commissioners (Work) - Jun 8, 2026
Commissioners debated how the county pays eight fire departments for rescue coverage — flat annual stipends versus per-call pay. Response times have dropped from 18 minutes to 8-9 minutes and costs fell from $225,000 to $69,000, but Vice Chairman Handy prefers paying per service.
County Commissioners (Regular) - Jan 6, 2026
After losing the county Rescue Squad last year, eight volunteer fire departments have signed contracts to provide rescue services at $1,000 per out-of-district call through June 30, 2026. A more permanent arrangement still needs to be worked out.
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