The Rome and Floyd County Fire Oversight Committee received an in-depth look at the proposed 2026 fire fund budget and recent departmental activity during its latest meeting.
Finance Director Toni Rhinehart presented the proposed 2026 budget, noting that the fire fund will rely on a use of fund balance to remain balanced. Rhinehart explained that potential retirements and vacation payouts could fluctuate by several hundred thousand dollars, prompting the need to budget conservatively for employee payouts.
Under the proposal, the required contribution from the City of Rome and Floyd County totals $11,397,500. Rhinehart reported projected 2026 health insurance claims show an increase on the city side to $16,000 per employee. Overall projected revenue for 2026 is $24,149,064, while projected expenses are $24,899,064, with $750,000 coming from accrued savings to close the gap.
Rhinehart also outlined the department’s capital plan, which includes four items funded through the 2023 SPLOST revenue split between the city and county. These include a complete refurbish with equipment, new fire apparatus equipment, training center updates, and a fire apparatus balance totaling $859,064. Additional capital purchases include two 4×4 crew cab trucks costing $120,000, a passenger van for the training center, a rescue boat, and $125,000 allocated for station renovations.
Division Chief Jamie Stone provided activity reports for September and October. In September, the department responded to 606 total incidents, with 288 in the city and 318 in the county. The Fire Marshal’s Office conducted 346 inspections, and fire educators taught 66 classes. In October, incidents increased to 628, including 332 in the city and 296 in the county. Fire inspectors completed 340 inspections, and educators conducted 63 classes.
Operations updates were presented by Division Chief Clete Bonney, who reported that renovations at Station 2 and the refurbishment of Engine 1 have been completed. Bonney said the department has placed a down payment on a new river boat expected to arrive in early January. He also noted staffing adjustments being made in preparation for wildland fire responses and highlighted that refurbishing a fire truck costs approximately $700,000 less than purchasing a new one.
Community Risk Reduction and training updates were also shared by Stone. In September, firefighters completed fireground operations training and annual bloodborne pathogens training. October training focused on car fire investigations and lithium-ion fire response. Stone reported that five firefighters completed an 80-hour hazardous materials technician course, and the department added two new Advanced EMTs and one EMT Basic. The department also gained four new rope technicians and four CPR instructors.
Stone announced several grant awards, including an IP Giving Grant of $12,536, used to purchase 100 particulate-blocking hoods, and a GMALGRMS grant of $7,500. He also noted that 10 new recruits graduated rookie school on Dec. 11, 2025, and the department recently purchased a new drone to assist with search and rescues, wildland fires, and large structure fires.
Deputy Chief Brad Roberson reported the department will host six interns from the College and Career Academy, calling the program a valuable pipeline for future firefighters. He noted that a former intern was hired during the most recent rookie school. Roberson said the department recently completed a 10-person rookie school after being nine personnel short and preparing for an upcoming retirement.
Roberson also announced that Captain Chad Holder will retire on Jan. 30, 2026, after 36 years of service with the department. Additionally, he highlighted the department’s participation in several charitable efforts during the holiday season, including the Salvation Army kettle drive, Toys for Tots, and the Angel Tree program, through which firefighters collected donations for six children and four seniors.
