FY 2026-27 Fire District Rates

Opposed the budget increases, arguing call volumes don't justify added staffing, that Deep River succeeds with volunteers, and that a paid fire study's recommendations were never implemented. He announced he won't seek another term on the Fire Advisory Board.

The Tramway fire chief supported the budget, noting few residents attend department budget hearings and that volunteer departments can't compete with municipal pay like Apex's $68,000 lateral hires.

The Pocket fire chief explained his district's increase reflects its weak tax base — mostly churches that don't pay fire taxes — not staffing, and acknowledged Pocket will have the county's highest fire tax rate.