During a recent government meeting, the Board of Commissioners addressed two significant issues concerning local fire services. The first item on the agenda was a request from the West Iredell Volunteer Fire Department to appoint Ryan Sherrill to the department's Relief Fund Board of Trustees, replacing the late Jody Stonestreet. The board unanimously consented to this appointment, recognizing the importance of having dedicated individuals serve on these critical boards.

The second discussion focused on the future of fire coverage for the Wayside Volunteer Fire District, which has faced challenges due to failing state inspections. The county has been exploring options to ensure adequate fire service in the area, ultimately narrowing down potential solutions to two main proposals. The preferred option involves a partnership with Shepherd's Volunteer Fire Department to absorb Wayside's facilities, staff, and equipment. However, concerns were raised regarding the willingness of Wayside employees to transition to Shepherd's, prompting the consideration of a backup plan.

The backup plan would involve placing county personnel at the Wayside station, similar to a pilot program currently being implemented with the Lake Norman Volunteer Fire Department. This would ensure that two individuals are available around the clock to respond to emergencies, while Shepherd's would provide additional staffing to meet the required response levels for structure fires.

The board emphasized that any agreement reached would be temporary, pending the results of a comprehensive fire consultant study that is underway. This approach aims to clarify the future of fire services in the district without creating misconceptions about permanent changes. The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining fire coverage for the community while navigating staffing challenges and ensuring the safety of residents.