08/12/2026
We want to take a moment to explain the recent 13% increase in the fire fee and why it was necessary.
Brunswick County uses a fire-fee system that is somewhat unique. The fee is based on the heated square footage of a property and provides funding for fire protection within the district.
This year, the amount allowed for an increase was up to 25%. However, we did not request the full 25% increase. After looking at our current needs and the impact on the citizens we serve, the Fire Fee Committee moved forward with a 13% increase.
The Fire Fee Committee includes representation from the fire service and the community, including a Fire Chief, Fire Department Board President, the Mayor of Sandy Creek, the Mayor of the City of Northwest, a Brunswick County Commissioner, and a Brunswick County citizen representative.
We understand that no one wants to see fees increase. We also believe our community deserves to understand why the additional funding is needed.
The cost of providing fire and emergency services continues to rise. Quality volunteer participation has declined—not just in our district or Brunswick County, but across the nation. As volunteer availability decreases, departments must rely more heavily on paid staffing to ensure trained personnel are available when an emergency occurs.
At the same time, our call volume has increased significantly, meaning our personnel and equipment are being used more frequently.
The cost of fire apparatus, equipment, protective gear, maintenance, insurance, fuel, and everyday operations has also increased substantially. New fire trucks and specialized equipment now come with much higher price tags and, in many cases, long wait times from the time they are ordered until they are delivered.
We are also operating with an aging fleet of fire apparatus, and several of those trucks will need to be replaced in the coming years. Planning and saving for those replacements now is important so we are not faced with an even larger financial burden all at once.
We take our responsibility to the taxpayers seriously. That is one of the reasons we requested 13% rather than the full 25% that could have been requested this year. Our goal is to balance the financial impact on our citizens with the responsibility of maintaining reliable fire and emergency services.
When someone calls 911, they expect trained personnel, dependable equipment, and a fire truck to arrive. Maintaining that level of service requires planning ahead and making responsible decisions before a crisis occurs.
We appreciate the continued support of our community and the trust you place in us to protect your families, homes, businesses, and property.
— NW Volunteer Fire/Rescue
