Murphy – Town officials have asked the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners to approve a 4-cent fire tax increase for the Murphy Rural area.
The move would raise the millage rate from 0.092 to 0.099. Town Manager Chad Simons made the request to the board, pointing out that call volume continues to increase.
“I presented one this year because I think it’s necessary,” Simons said.
Simons said the town is seeking to formally transition to a “combination department” and hire three full-time employees, two of which will be funded by the Town of Murphy. He acknowledged that the moves still won’t guarantee a response 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but it gets the town much closer to that goal than where it is now.
The town manager also noted that the department is responsible for protecting about $20 million in county infrastructure.
“It’s time,” Simons said. “I don’t want to play scare tactics, but I think if the status quo persists with the volunteer model, we’re going to get a no-response.
“In Murphy and Murphy Rural, we serve predominantly commercial in Cherokee County. That’s unacceptable, and I think each of you agree with that.”
Murphy Fire Chief Al Lovingood has been in his role since 1996. He added, “We cannot continue with the status quo.”
The board of commissioners split 2-2 on whether to approve or deny the request, with Commissioners Dan Eichenbaum and Gary “Hippie” Westmoreland in favor, while Commissioners Jan Griggs and Cal Stiles were opposed.
Commissioner Randy Phillips could not attend the meeting, but County Manager Randy Wiggins said staff members would reach out to him to see where he stands. The move cannot become official until the board votes on its budget ordinance Wednesday, June 29.
Griggs argued the board has previously required a community meeting of all departments that have requested an increase of the millage rate. She said she felt community members should have an opportunity to voice their opinion.
Simons pointed out that Murphy is the only fire department in Cherokee County that has to undergo an annual audit and adhere to a local government fiscal control act.
“You know where our money goes, so there’s a higher degree of accountability here,” he said.
“If I’m wrong, you reduce the rate. If the operations for Murphy Rural doesn’t go up by $50,000 to pay for a position, you’ll see it in the audit. Call us out on it and reduce the fire tax rate right back down.”