NCFCC analysis includes major structural, funding, and staffing recommendations
Special to IFN
North Carolina Fire Chief Consulting (NCFCC) presented the results of the 2025 Fire Protection Service Delivery System Analysis to the Iredell County Board of Commissioners of Tuesday. The study provides a detailed evaluation of the county’s current fire service structure and offers a strategic framework for improving service delivery, funding equity, and long term sustainability.
The analysis reviewed the operations of the county’s fire districts, municipal partners, and out-of-county response areas. It identifies opportunities to modernize the county’s fire service model, strengthen staffing, and ensure that resources are aligned with population growth, call volume, and hazard risk.
“This study provides a multi-year roadmap for strengthening fire protection across Iredell County,” said County Manager Beth Milton. “The recommendations give us the tools to modernize our system, support our firefighters, and ensure that every community receives reliable, equitable service as the county continues to grow.”
Recommendations
Key recommendations from the 2025 Analysis include:
Maintain a unified countywide service district system
• The study recommends continuing the unified service district model rather than reverting to older Chapter 69 rural fire tax districts.
Implement a new alternative funding model
NCFCC proposes a revised funding structure that includes:
• Continued county support for capital expenditures
• Base operational funding for each department
• Adjustments based on population, address points, property valuation, and square miles covered
• Annual supplemental grants
Update cost share models with municipal and out-of-county departments
• The report recommends revising cost share formulas annually using a three year rolling average to ensure fairness and consistency.
Evaluate and transition several fire districts
NCFCC advises the county to begin transition planning for:
• Monticello
• Mount Mourne and Mooresville
• Shepherds (Districts 1, 2, and 3)
• Ebenezer and Cool Springs (for Statesville partnership considerations)
Strengthen firefighter staffing and retention
Recommendations include:
• Establishing supplemental firefighter staffing squads
• Creating a countywide retention and recruitment program
• Developing a career pay and compensation plan
Encourage voluntary mergers where feasible
• The study notes that consolidation may improve efficiency and service delivery in certain areas.
Re-align fire district boundaries for closest station response
• NCFCC recommends evaluating first due response areas and adjusting boundaries to ensure the nearest station responds, including where municipal departments may be better positioned to provide service.
Improve training, facility safety, and standardization
The report calls for:
• Enhanced firefighter training programs
• Attention to fire station safety needs
• Use of standardized specifications for equipment and facilities
• Updated county service agreements
• Short term next steps for elected officials
NCFCC recommends that the Board direct the County Manager to:
• Form a task team to evaluate the alternative funding model and cost share plan for FY 2026–2027
• Review first due response areas and municipal feasibility
• Engage with Statesville, Mooresville, and affected fire departments to develop transition plans
• Prepare an implementation plan for supplemental firefighter staffing squads beginning mid FY 2026–27
The Board of Commissioners will use the findings to help guide planning for the FY 2026–2027 budget and future long term public safety initiatives.
Read the Consultant’s Report
The full report is available to the public on the Iredell County website under the Fire Marshal’s page.