The Rockport City Council discussed the voluntary utility bill surcharge that funds local volunteer fire departments during its Aug. 13 meeting and directed staff to set the standard charge at $3 per month.

Background: The surcharge funds the volunteer fire departments in Rockport, Fulton and Lamar. Council members and volunteer chiefs described rising equipment and vehicle costs, citing recent examples: Fulton Chief Cody said two replacement SCBA units (AirPaks) with bottles cost him roughly $17,000 and two sets of turnout/wildland gear for two firefighters totaled about $9,734. Lamar Assistant Chief Roy Laird said a replacement engine will cost about $1,200,000 compared with about $624,000 ten years earlier.

Discussion and direction: Council members said the current $2 annual (sic — $2 monthly) voluntary charge provides good value but that additional revenue would help cover equipment, turnout gear, apparatus replacement and fuel. Several council members supported raising the charge by $1; one council member suggested giving customers options to contribute more but staff said current billing software makes multiple contribution options impractical. Council asked staff to provide outreach explaining what the fee supports and how to make one‑time additional donations.

Outcome: Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to set the voluntary fire fund charge at $3 per month on the utility bill, and asked staff to monitor monthly revenues and the number of customers opting out so the council can revisit the level if needed. Staff also agreed to publicize what the fee funds and how residents may contribute additional one‑time gifts.

Ending: The council’s direction will be converted to an ordinance for formal adoption; staff will report revenues and opt‑out trends to council.