In a significant move at Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Caldwell County Fiscal Court unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading to eliminate county fire response fees.
Before voting on the ordinance, Judge-Executive Kota Young explained the circumstances that enabled the county to eliminate the fire response fees, highlighting the consolidation of roles following the upcoming retirement of Tammy Brasher, the county’s finance officer.
click to download audioHe stated that eliminating the position would save approximately $65,000 annually, a portion of which would be used to eliminate the longstanding fire response fee schedule in the county’s unincorporated areas and pass these savings back to the taxpayers.
Princeton-Caldwell County Fire Chief Brent Francis supports the move, noting that many people hesitate to report fires due to the associated response fees.
click to download audioYoung noted that this is highly bureaucratic on the county’s part and often requires more time and effort than they collect. Francis agreed, calling the decision a smart move.
Judge Young then presented the first reading of the ordinance to eliminate county fire response fees.
click to download audioIn other new business, magistrates unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Jail Budget north of $1.2 million, along with two resolutions. The Fiscal Court accepted a resolution to acquire a surplus Truck 12 — a 2012 Ford F-350 brush truck — from the City of Princeton for use by the Caldwell County Fire Department. Additionally, they passed a resolution declaring Truck 8 — a GMC truck with an incorporated skid unit and radio — as surplus and transferring it to the Fredonia Fire Department.
The magistrates also approved the purchase of a skid unit for $29,750.
At the end of the meeting, Judge Young honored retiring Finance Officer Tammy Brasher with a plaque in recognition of her years of service to the county.
