Upshur County Volunteer Fire Department
FIRE FEE INFORMATION & FAST FACTS
WHO IS THe Upshur county VFD?
23,816
Total population of residents served in Upshur County.
355
Square miles. Total region of Upshur County.
7
Total fire districts throughout Upshur County.
What is the Fire Fee?
A yearly payment made by county taxpayers to support the work of the Upshur VFD.
Background of the fee?
Set in 2001 (22 years ago). All costs have increased, including administration, supplies, postage, equipment, and more.
What does the fee support?
Firefighting equipment, training, maintenance and repairs to trucks and equipment, office costs, etc.
PROPOSED FIRE FEE INCREASES
5 or more vacant acres
From $5/year to $10/year
Residence
From $25/year to $50/year
Commercial
From $50/year to $100/year
OTHER FIRE FEE FACTS
- A Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) in your vicinity lowers your insurance premiums.
- There is a severe decline in volunteerism nationwide. Paid firefighters may be the only option soon.
- The annual fire fee has not increased in 22 years; however, the cost of everything else has continued to rise. Ex: In 2001 a postage stamp was .34 cents, it is now .66 cents. Fuel was $1.46/gallon, it is now $3.49/gallon.
- Personal protecitve equipment for a single firefighter costs approximately $13,480.00.
- Average price of a fire truck: $100,000 - $950,000.
- VFD's pay the basic operating costs of mortgages, building maintenance, water, electric, internet/phone, garbage, insurance, etc.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
We are currently collecting information from county residents (outside city limits) interested in signing a petition to increase the Upshur County Fire Fee. If you are willing to discuss this more with a Fire Department representative, click here or scan the QR Code to fill out the form.
