Department Budgets Stressed by Rising Fuel Costs

Many fire departments are feeling the affects of rising fuel costs on their operating budgets, some reaching into emergency funds to cover costs.

The Rome Volunteer Fire Department in Proctorville, OH, has a budget whose funding is around 60 percent public and 40 percent from private revenue sources.

For the first time in 20 years the department will reach into their emergency funds to sustain operations due to soaring fuel costs, Nick Kuhn, hief of the Rome Volunteer Fire Department told, WOWK TV.

Chief Kuhn said the department averages $10,000 to $12,000 per year in fuel costs. If there are no additional increases, Kuhn projects his current year fuel costs will soar to $20,000 to $22,000.

In addition to fireground operations, Kuhn said other department functions including their smoke detector installation program and the increase in medicals due to COVID-19 have affected department expenditures.