Wagoner County Fire Departments Concerned About New Sales Tax Proposal

Some Wagoner County fire departments are concerned a new sales tax proposal could close their doors for good.

The proposal would use sales tax money to establish a county ambulance service, but some firefighters say it would take money away from fire departments.

The resolution would redistribute an existing tax that’s been in effect for almost 20 years. Without those funds, some departments won't have any income.

The future of a long-standing sales tax benefitting the sustainability of 14 fire departments across Wagoner County is being left in the hands of voters. 

The county currently relies on services from Wagoner EMS and surrounding cities.

“The proposal is essentially defunding the fire departments in the county,” Chief Riley Shepherd with Oak Grove Fire Department said. 

Shepherd recognizes the need for EMS services in the county, but he says this isn't the solution.

“When the public calls 911, they expect to get a fire truck with firemen to show up, and that's not always the case if you're a volunteer department. So, taking money away from a service that's not 100% self-sufficient already sounds like a problem,” Shepherd said.

County leaders say a countywide ambulance service will help response times for some, but Shepherd says budget cuts could hurt training.

“Training is really the most important thing we really do,” Shepherd said. 

He says limited training could jeopardize the safety of firefighters.

Most departments in Wagoner County are volunteers, and if they lose support from the county, he worries the department will lose its volunteers.

The resolution will be on ballots in Wagoner County in March.