JCBOCC Approves Revised Interlocal Fire Agreement with City of Marianna
By: Shelia Mader
The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners voted this week to approve a revised interlocal agreement with the City of Marianna for fire protection and emergency services coverage. The new five-year agreement replaces the previous one-year arrangement and updates the annual payment and service boundaries between the two entities.
County Administrator Jim Dean explained that the updated agreement was modeled after a version used in Gadsden County. The most significant change increases the annual payment from $52,000 to $60,000. The contract’s shift from a yearly renewal to a five-year term is aimed at reducing recurring negotiation delays that often left gaps between agreements.
The new document also defines the service area as five driving miles from each Marianna fire station, a clarification that had not been previously established. The adjustment aligns with ISO (Insurance Services Office) standards, which help determine insurance rates for homeowners based on fire protection proximity.
“Before, it wasn’t clearly defined,” said Fire Chief Charlie Brunner of Jackson County Fire Rescue. “We needed to specify what ‘coverage area’ meant, especially since the city added a second station. ISO uses five driving miles from a recognized fire station as the standard, so that’s the language we put in.”
The City of Marianna had originally requested $75,000 annually with an annual increase tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and a shorter 60-day opt-out clause instead of 120 days. Dean said he did not recommend that version after discussions with commissioners.
“The $52,000 had been in place for over 10 years,” Brunner said. “With inflation and increased call volume, the city felt an adjustment was needed.”
Dean’s proposal, $60,000 annually with no CPI clause, was a compromise he felt the board would support. “It’s a stipend, not meant to cover all costs, but to offset them,” he said.
The motion to approve the $60,000, five-year agreement was made by Commissioner Paul Donofro and seconded by Commissioner Donnie Branch, passing with a majority vote.
Some commissioners questioned the necessity of the increase and the city’s role in maintaining the fire station, which sits on county-owned property. Dean clarified that while the county owns the building, originally part of the Dozier School property, the City of Marianna staffs and maintains it.
Commissioner Dr. Spires asked about legal review, which County Attorney Michelle Jordan confirmed was underway. Commissioner Edward Crutchfield sought clarification on financial sharing and building responsibilities, while Chairman Jamey Westbrook expressed caution about long-term commitments, saying, “That amount of money just being handed back and forth is hard for this board to deal with.”
Despite concerns, commissioners agreed the agreement was necessary to maintain cooperation and protect ISO ratings for residents both inside and outside city limits.
In a follow-up interview, county administrator Jim Dean said the revisions were about “clarity and consistency,” noting that both departments benefit from defining their shared service area more precisely.
“It tightens up the boundaries a little bit so we don’t have to travel as far to meet that five-mile requirement,” Dean said. “It’s really only for fire prevention, though in certain medical emergencies, like cardiac arrests, the city may still respond.”
Dean also discussed the city’s ladder truck, an essential piece of equipment funded partly through a federal AFG (Assistance to Firefighters) grant. “That truck was written into the grant to serve the entire county, not just Marianna. It’s a critical piece of equipment, and it benefits everyone,” he said.
Having served as city manager before joining the county, Dean said he understands both perspectives: “I don’t care who I’m working for, I’ll give 110% to be fair and consistent.”
Dean emphasized that interlocal agreements are essential for maintaining public safety and cost efficiency. “These agreements help both sides and support the ISO ratings that affect homeowners’ insurance,” he said. “It’s about making sure citizens, whether they’re inside the city or out, get dependable fire protection.”
If the City of Marianna Commission does not approve the revised version, Dean said the county will “go back to the drawing board” and continue working toward a solution. “We’ll respond the best we can and keep moving forward,” he said.
