06/06/2026
Let’s talk about Long-Term Financial Stability for our community’s emergency services
In October 2025, HB-325 was passed by the Alabama Legislature and signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey, allowing fire departments in Lawrence County to incorporate as fire districts. This legislation created an opportunity for departments to become community-governed and work toward long-term self-sufficiency.
Prior to HB-325, fire departments in Lawrence County had no practical way to increase fire dues without a countywide election, something that has historically been controversial and uncertain to pass due to the wide differences between communities and municipalities throughout Lawrence County. The fire district legislation now allows each individual community to work directly with the constituents it serves to determine the best path forward for sustaining emergency services locally.
In 1996, the citizens of Lawrence County voted to established a fire fee of $25 per household. Today, that fee generates approximately $26,000 annually for the organization, while 2025 operating expenses for basic day-to-day operations total approximately $50,000 per year. Outside of those funds, the department has traditionally relied heavily on fundraisers and community support to keep the doors open.
In 2017, our department began a partnership with Moulton Speedway to provide safety standby services during racing events. That partnership generated approximately $12,000–$15,000 annually and was a tremendous blessing to our organization in helping make up deficit funds. Those funds allowed us to continue improving equipment and maintaining operational readiness while serving the Speedway through multiple ownership changes over the years.
Recently, the Speedway was purchased by a new owner who made the business decision to handle safety operations through another avenue. As a result, that partnership has ended, and those funds are no longer available to our department.
Unfortunately, with an annual budget deficit of around $20,000, this model is not sustainable long term. Without a stable funding solution, our organization may eventually be forced to reduce capabilities and services in order to lower operational expenses.
Fortunately, HB-325 has provided our community with a pathway forward with the community’s support. Under this legislation, our organization now operates with a governing Board of Directors that is actively evaluating long-term funding solutions to ensure sustainable fire protection, rescue, and EMS services for the citizens we proudly serve.
Several different avenues are currently being explored, and we are hopeful to announce to our community in the near future which direction will best provide long-term stability and reliable emergency services for the future.
We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the Speake Volunteer Fire & Rescue District and remain committed to providing the highest level of transparency to our community while navigating these funding challenges. Since 1976, for 50 years, we have stood ready to answer the call in our community’s time of need, and we look forward to continuing that mission for many years to come.
The next monthly Board of Directors meeting will be July 9th at 6:00 PM
