BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–On Tuesday, dozens of Berkeley Co. volunteer firefighters packed the inside of council chambers where they waited nearly two hours to voice their concerns about the future funding of their departments during public comment.
To help with funding issues plaguing the county’s rural fire departments, a Special Fire Tax Advisory board was formed recently, made up of eight rural county residents.
During public comment, Deputy Chief Donnie Martin with Lake Moultrie Fire Department told council that initially, “the Berkeley Co. Fire Chief’s Association had high expectations that the board would provide guidance and leadership to help solve ongoing funding problems that plague the fire service in the county.”
Funding volunteer fire departments has always been a problem in Berkeley County, but area firefighters say any progression to change that has stalled due to Councilman Ken Gunn who also happens to be the Subcommittee Chairman for Public Safety. They believe he has his own political agenda.
“His influence guided a majority of the members in an unnatural direction, derailing and crippling the efforts of the Fire Tax Advisory Board’s chairman,” Martin told council.
Martin stated that because of Gunn’s “meddling,” he has created an unpleasant working relationship between the board and the fire chiefs.
“This has left fire chiefs across this county wondering if the ultimate goal was to support the fire service and the citizens of Berkeley County or was it to further Gunn’s agenda which, in our opinion, is not in the best interest of the fire service,” Martin told council.
Berkeley Co. firefighters believe that Gunn’s influence on the board has hurt priority funding requests and previous funding obligations.
“The Fire Tax Advisory Board recently lost key experienced members because they were restricted from moving the organization forward in our departments with securing the funding for continues operations of the departments,” Chief Tim Stephenson with Whitesville Rural told the council.
Members of the Berkeley Co. Fire Chief’s Association say they believe the experienced members were “run off” for refusing to compromise their reputation and integrity by “bowing” to Gunn’s control.
Stephenson said the last five board meetings have left him and a lot of firefighters with a lot of frustration.
“We are not sure if his (Gunn) influence broke any ethical rules, but as result, the chairman, vice chairman, and a longtime member resigned after the December meeting,” said Stephenson.
The Berkeley Co. Fire Chief’s Association is asking that county council look into their concerns and prevent Gunn from further interfering with the board.
“We now believe that this board has been tainted and may not be able to fulfill its obligations, and we request a move to disband and reform the board,” stated Stephenson.
Stephenson ended his comments to council by stating that volunteer firefighters believe the board doesn’t appear committed to improving the county’s fire service but instead to supporting the wants and needs of a single council member.
After the two fire chiefs spoke before council, there was very little said after from council.
Gunn also said very little only stating that he has scheduled a meeting to discuss the issue with the fire departments June 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley County council chambers.
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