Pender County has approved a fire and EMS merger plan following a 3–2 vote by the Board of Commissioners, according to Pender County.
The county confirmed that the decision will bring fire protection and Emergency Medical Services under direct county control through a newly unified department.
Commissioners Brad George and Dr. Jimmy Tate voted against the plan.
The county stated that the goal of the merger is to improve coordination, create operational efficiencies, and maintain service levels while enhancing long-term sustainability.
A final merger agreement covering legal, administrative, and operational terms is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025.
According to Pender County, the new model will involve an estimated $1.8 million per year in additional personnel costs.
The structure will consolidate most local emergency services into one county-operated department.
Board Vice-Chairman Brent Springer said: “This is a significant step forward in strengthening emergency response for our residents.”
He continued: “Additionally, it helps build the public infrastructure we desperately need.
“By unifying under one department, we’re positioning ourselves for improved coordination, better support for our dedicated personnel, and access to state retirement and health benefits for our new county employees.”
The county currently spends around $21.2 million annually in local tax funds on emergency services provided by private contractors.
It stated that under the new system, these funds will remain within the public department.
Pender County explained that the fire and EMS merger will introduce a uniform fire tax rate across the county.
It also said the structure will maintain existing ISO ratings, with service delivery expected to remain consistent.
Additional benefits, according to the county, include more efficient centralised management, improved recruitment, and greater retention of skilled personnel.
It added that the merger will enable new employees to access the state’s insurance and retirement systems.
Officials confirmed that the first set of memoranda of understanding between the county and emergency departments is scheduled for signing by July 15, 2025.
The county announced that a series of public town hall meetings will be held between February and May 2026.
These events are intended to collect feedback from residents on emergency service provision in their local districts.
The county stated that transparency and community input are key parts of the process.
Each meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to comment on the new structure, ask questions, and speak with officials involved in the merger.
The schedule and locations for these town halls will be announced closer to the time.
The Pender County Board of Commissioners approved the merger by a narrow margin, with a 3–2 vote recorded during the session.
Commissioners Brad George and Dr. Jimmy Tate opposed the decision.
No formal statements were issued by the dissenting commissioners in the meeting transcript released by the county.
The three commissioners in favor of the plan expressed support for centralising operations as a method of improving oversight, accountability, and support for staff.
The board did not disclose details of any amendments to the original proposal before voting.
Pender County has voted to merge fire and EMS services under county control.
The plan was approved by the Board of Commissioners in a 3–2 vote.
Commissioners Brad George and Dr. Jimmy Tate voted against the proposal.
The county said the new department will require $1.8 million per year in added personnel costs.
The merger will create a single, county-operated emergency services department.
The county currently spends $21.2 million annually on contracted emergency services.
Those funds will now remain within the new department.
Vice-Chairman Brent Springer said the change will strengthen emergency response.
The merger includes access to state retirement and health benefits for employees.
Pender County stated that a uniform fire tax rate will be introduced.
ISO ratings and service levels are expected to remain unchanged.
Town hall meetings will be held between February and May 2026.
The final merger agreement is due by December 31, 2025.
Initial memoranda of understanding are scheduled for completion by July 15, 2025.
The changes apply to services within North Carolina.
