The Rome‑Floyd Fire Overview Committee met recently to review financial trends, incident activity, training achievements, equipment needs, and upcoming community events as leaders outlined both progress and challenges facing the department.

Financial Update Shows Rising Costs but Budget Still on Track

Finance Director Toni Rhinehart reported that revenues remain consistent with last year, while total expenses and transfers increased by $703,000. Despite the rise, the department is still $155,000 under the year‑to‑date budget.

Operating expenses climbed to $542,000, driven largely by pay adjustments and higher health insurance costs. Personnel expenses now account for 75% of the department’s total budget.

Retirement contributions increased by $160,000, reflecting higher payroll. The joint EOC fund balance stands at $60,167, with an additional $10,000 expected from the city and county later this year.

Fire Chief Report: Incident Activity Steady Across Summer Months

Division Chief Jamie Stone presented incident statistics for May, June, and July:

  • May: 608 incidents (301 city, 307 county), 380 inspections, 13 fire/life safety classes
  • June: 572 incidents (228 city, 284 county), 381 inspections, 14 classes
  • July: 608 incidents (315 city, 292 county), 355 inspections, 13 classes

Stone noted that hydrant inspections are handled by a dedicated crew, while business fire inspections are conducted by separate staff.

Operations: Training Expands, Equipment Strategy Saves Money

Division Chief Clete Bonney highlighted several specialized training sessions, including a new battery energy storage system class hosted by Georgia Power and structural fire control instruction with on‑site trainers. Atlanta Gas Company also provided training on natural gas and propane tank safety.

The department’s refurbished reserve quint was recognized as a major cost‑saving measure: $399,000 for refurbishment compared to $1.9 million for a new unit. The vehicle was scheduled for display following the meeting.

Concrete work continues at Station Six, with bids opening later in the day. Deputy Chief Brad Roberson advised that future planning must include purchasing three additional pumpers for Engines 4, 6, and 8.

Community Risk Reduction: Awards and Training Milestones

Stone reported extensive training activity, including Firefighter II coursework and apparatus operations training. Personnel logged 1,065 training hours in June, and Linda Patty was honored as a Rising Star by the National Fire Protection Association.

The Fire Safety Education Office received statewide recognition as Georgia’s Community Risk Reduction Program of the Year.

Roberson also noted preparations underway for the annual 9/11 ceremony, with invitations soon going out to retirees and community members.

Manpower: Staffing Shortages Continue

Roberson reported the department is currently three firefighters short, largely due to recent retirements. Among them is 37‑year veteran Todd Lanier, who retired August 1.

Commissioner Elaina Beeman raised concerns about elderly residents living with overloaded breaker boxes and the lack of residential inspections. Chief Troy Brock explained that residential inspections fall outside the department’s authority, with code enforcement focused primarily on commercial buildings.

EOC and Administrative Upgrades Approved

The committee approved a series of upgrades funded through the joint EOC/maintenance account, including:

  • Repainting hallways, kitchen, training room, and 911 backup center
  • LED lighting upgrades for the main EOC and backup 911 center
  • Kitchen counter and dishwasher replacement
  • Warehouse ceiling fans, overhead cord reels, and additional switches

Fire administration will also receive improvements such as repainting corridors and conference rooms, adding chair rail, and refurbishing exterior doors at the education center.

Marine 4 Boat Transfer Approved

Chief Brock requested approval to transfer the department’s fully depreciated rescue boat, Marine 4, to the City of Cave Spring at no cost. The committee unanimously approved the intergovernmental transfer, allowing Cave Spring to replace its outdated vessel.