HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260916 FinCmte Agenda PktA.Consent Agenda – The following item(s) could be considered on consent if the
committee chooses. All are either (1) 'no local funds required' or (2) a fiscal year carry
forward of previously appropriated funds.
A.1.The Virginia Cooperative Extensions Agent requests a $4,007 FY 2027
General Fund carry forward appropriation representing unspent FY 2026 agent
salaries and benefits. FY 2027 personnel costs are projected to be higher than
originally budgeted. No additional local funds above the existing appropriation
are required.
A.2.The Parks & Recreation Director requests a $67,814 FY 2027 General Fund
carry forward appropriation representing unspent FY 2026 funds for
outstanding projects at Sherando Park. No additional local funds above the
existing appropriation are requested.
B.Discussion & Action Items – The following item(s) are presented for committee
discussion and action.
B.1.The Planning Director requests a $300,000 General Fund supplemental
appropriation to establish a reserved fund balance available, by request, to the
Conservation Easement Authority. Any spending from the reserved funds
would require a separate appropriation approved by the Board of Supervisors.
No additional local funds are required. Solar siting funds received in 2025 are
available in the County Capital Fund to fund this request.
C.Information & Discussion Items – The following item(s) are presented for committee
information and discussion. No formal action is required; however, the committee could
AGENDA
FINANCE COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
8:30 AM
FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
107 NORTH KENT STREET
WINCHESTER, VA 22601
Extensions CF.pdf
Parks CF.pdf
CEA Funding.pdf
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choose to forward a recommendation(s) to the Board of Supervisors.
C.1.At the request of the committee, Fire & Rescue information is provided for
discussion.
D.Information Only Items – The following item(s) are included for information only. No
discussion or action required.
D.1.The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the
County the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2027 fiscal year.
This is the 40th consecutive year that Frederick County has received this
award.
2025 Fire Company Audit Summary.pdf
EMS Revenue Recovery Information and Model.pdf
Expense Recovery MOU.pdf
Final Draft Apparatus Joint Purchase Agreement 9032026.pdf
Final Draft Apparatus Policy 9032026.pdf
Frederick County Fire Rescue 10-Year Plan - 2026 Final.pdf
GFOA Budget Award 2027.pdf
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Finance Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 16, 2026
Agenda Section: Consent Agenda
Title: The Virginia Cooperative Extensions Agent requests a $4,007 FY 2027 General Fund
carry forward appropriation representing unspent FY 2026 agent salaries and benefits. FY
2027 personnel costs are projected to be higher than originally budgeted. No additional local
funds above the existing appropriation are required.
Attachments:
Extensions CF.pdf
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Finance Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 16, 2026
Agenda Section: Consent Agenda
Title: The Parks & Recreation Director requests a $67,814 FY 2027 General Fund carry
forward appropriation representing unspent FY 2026 funds for outstanding projects at
Sherando Park. No additional local funds above the existing appropriation are requested.
Attachments:
Parks CF.pdf
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Finance Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 16, 2026
Agenda Section: Discussion & Action Items
Title: The Planning Director requests a $300,000 General Fund supplemental appropriation
to establish a reserved fund balance available, by request, to the Conservation Easement
Authority. Any spending from the reserved funds would require a separate appropriation
approved by the Board of Supervisors. No additional local funds are required. Solar siting
funds received in 2025 are available in the County Capital Fund to fund this request.
Attachments:
CEA Funding.pdf
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COUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
540/ 665-5651
Fax: 540/ 665-6395
107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
MEMORANDUM
TO: Finance Committee
FROM: John A. Bishop, AICP, Planning Director
RE: CEA Activities Funding
DATE: September 11, 2026
At the August 15th Finance Committee meeting the Committee directed that Staff return with a request
to move $300,000.00 in Solar Siting Agreement funds from the Capital Fund (Fund 83) to the general
fund conservation investment fund.
Purposes for this funding, upon request by CEA for access to spend, would be as follows:
1. Education and outreach for Conservation Easements
2. Spending related to putting Conservation Easements in place and/or holding/coholding
conservation easements and Purchase of Development Rights for conservation
3. Matching funds for a number of potential State or Federal easement programs via agencies
such as, but not limited to:
Virginia Land Conservation Fund
Virginia Outdoors Foundation
Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund
USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Staff is seeking a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to place the above noted $300,000 of
Solar Siting Agreement funds into the General Fund-Conservation Investment Fund and will be present
to answer questions as needed.
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Finance Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 16, 2026
Agenda Section: Information & Discussion Items
Title: At the request of the committee, Fire & Rescue information is provided for discussion.
Attachments:
2025 Fire Company Audit Summary.pdf
EMS Revenue Recovery Information and Model.pdf
Expense Recovery MOU.pdf
Final Draft Apparatus Joint Purchase Agreement 9032026.pdf
Final Draft Apparatus Policy 9032026.pdf
Frederick County Fire Rescue 10-Year Plan - 2026 Final.pdf
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Cash-Year EndTotalReceiptsVehicle/EquipmentMaintenance/RepairsFuel &OilTotalDisbursementsTotalReceiptsFrederickCountyFundingTown/Other County Association State Other $ RaisedStephens City 896,723 696,952 211,004 5,275 563,011 696,952 462,298 15,512(a)4,670(b)214,472Middletown 538,524 623,269 53,948 3,755 720,428 623,269 221,098 21,500(c)380,671Clearbrook 690,055 1,354,786 74,365 188 1,178,977 1,354,786 760,441 500,000(d)94,345Gore 449,764 270,400 56,680 1,070 248,750 270,400 144,195126,205Round Hill 653,210 1,103,315 112,072 2,374 1,738,056 1,103,315 357,419745,896Gainesboro 309,212 379,267 103,940 6,401 395,787 379,267 195,754 4,300(e)179,213Star Tannery 378,689 257,693 52,643 694 138,301 257,693 135,423 39,000( f)83,270Greenwood 2,788,264 674,736 126,475 1,999 257,185 674,736 392,829 3,342(g)278,565North Mountain 314,151 204,235 46,904 1,540 152,153 204,235 164,40439,831Reynolds Store 488,646 350,028 48,034 1,523 223,549 350,028 216,371^ 133,657Millwood Station 502,849 545,169 91,377 424,548 545,169 265,044280,125Frederick CountyVolunteer Assoc.191,812 233,838 236,112 233,838 226,662 6,816(h)3606,693,688 3,541,938 76,012 0 0 519,128 2,556,610*Notes:Notes:The County funds the cost for apparatus fuel. Fuel cost shown here is only company paid. (a) Town of Stephens City(c) Middletown - $15,000; Warren $6,500(d) Clearbrook - $500,000 Proffer(e) Grant $3,000; Sale of Vehicle $1,300(f) Shenandoah County(g) Grant $2,503; Insurance Claim $839(h) Insurance Claims $6,816^ Audit: $216,385; County G/L: $216,372* see 'attachment A' for detail.Frederick County Fire & Rescue CompaniesYear End December 31, 2025per audited financial statements(b) Grant - $4,670 110
FY 25 - FREDERICK COUNTY1/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 - FIRE COMPANIESTotalDisbursementsTotal County Funding(3)(4)% CountyFundedPer CapitaCounty Funded (2)CashEnd of YearDebt Service(Principal + Interest)Total LongTerm DebtStephens City563,011$ 462,298$ 82% 4.63896,723$ 161,708$ 931,236$ Middletown720,428$ 221,098$ 31% 2.21538,524$ -$ -$ Clearbrook1,178,977$ 760,441$ 65% 7.61690,055$ -$ -$ Gore248,750$ 144,195$ 58% 1.44449,764$ 68,245$ 177,220$ Round Hill1,738,056$ 357,419$ 21% 3.58653,210$ 132,910$ 1,209,943$ Gainesboro395,787$ 195,754$ 49% 1.96309,212$ 158,957$ 169,483$ Star Tannery138,301$ 135,423$ 98% 1.35378,689$ -$ -$ Greenwood257,185$ 392,829$ 153% 3.932,788,264$ -$ -$ North Mountain 152,153$ 164,404$ 108% 1.64314,151$ 34,801$ 296,951$ Reynolds Store223,549$ 216,371$ 97% 2.16488,646$ 80,000$ 645,991$ Millwood Station424,548$ 265,044$ 62% 2.65502,849$ 80,049$ 1,105,169$ F&R Association236,112$ 226,662$ 96% 2.27191,812$ Total Volunteer6,276,857$ 3,541,938$ 35.44$ 8,201,899$ 716,670$ 4,535,993$ Frederick Co (1)24,630,767$ 24,630,767$ 100% 251.06N/AN/AN/ATotal F&R & Ambulance 30,907,624$ 28,172,705$ 286.49$ 8,201,899$ 716,670$ 4,535,993$ Notes:(1) FY25 is 7/1/2024 - 6/30/2025 (expenses per Exhibit 12 of ACFR)(2) 2025 Frederick County population 99,955 per US Census Bureau.(3) Does not include Length of Service funding, audit costs, reduced PP tax, work comp, Millwood & Round Hill maintenance and debt service, vehicle fuel.Does include $1,226,747 EMS Expense Recovery distributions.(4) see 'Attachment A' for detail of County funding to volunteer fire companies.211
ATTACHMENT ACY 2025 PAYMENTS TO FIRE COMPANIES - per County general ledgerRECOVERY MILEAGEFIRE PROGRAMS 4-FOR-LIFE(1)SQUAD TRUCK / RESPONSE UNIT SUPPLEMENT (2)COUNTYCONTRIBUTIONFIRE COMPANYCAPITAL FUNDS TRAINING OTHERTOTALSTEPHENS CITY 170,146 135,027 41,022 18,698 11,900 81,874 3,631 462,298$ MIDDLETOWN32,110 36,702 41,022 18,698 31,900 59,651 1,016 221,098$ CLEARBROOK85,894 45,297 41,022 18,698 - 66,698 2,832 500,000 (3)760,441$ GORE 12,839 13,729 41,022 18,698 57,907 144,195$ ROUND HILL143,552 30,921 41,022 18,698 11,900 68,869 40,000 (4)2,457 357,419$ GAINESBORO35,159 26,647 41,022 18,698 8,500 62,098 3,631 195,754$ STAR TANNERY7,030 12,813 41,022 18,698 55,860 135,423$ GREENWOOD165,848 84,249 41,022 18,698 75,557 1,456 6,000 (5)392,829$ NORTH MOUNTAIN24,467 19,949 41,022 18,698 60,018 250 164,404$ REYNOLDS STORE16,225 20,961 41,022 18,698 11,900 57,565 50,000 (6)216,371$ ^MILLWOOD72,226 34,956 41,022 18,698 11,900 61,242 25,000 (7)265,044$ F.C. VOL ASSOCIATION202,346 (8)24,316 226,662$ TOTAL 765,497$ 461,250$ 451,240$ 205,676$ 88,000$ 909,685$ 115,000$ 15,274$ 530,316$ 3,541,938$ 3,541,938$ Notes:(1) 4-for-Life funds includes 2 years of payments(2) Includes 2 years of payments(3) $500,000 Proffer(4) 2024 Ford F550 Horton $25,000 & 2024 Tahoe $15,000(5) Convenience site lease(6) 2025 Pierce Engine(7) 2024 Ford F550 Horton(8) Property and Auto Insurance Premiums^ Audit: $216,385; County G/L: $216,372FEE FOR SERVICE312
9/4/2026Fire & Rescue201620172018 20192020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025Total County Contributions to Vol F&R (CY) ^per county G/L2,044,766 2,242,216 2,364,022 1,903,857 2,355,147 2,818,827 2,781,567 3,157,331 2,324,185 3,541,938 Total Frederick Co F&R Dept expenditures (FY)per ACFR Exhibit 129,090,314 10,009,771 13,899,448 13,059,017 15,104,777 15,203,842 17,999,526 18,984,361 22,783,178 24,630,767 Grand Total 11,135,080 12,251,987 16,263,470 14,962,874 17,459,924 18,022,669 20,781,093 22,141,692 25,107,363 28,172,705 Total Fred Co F&R Dept full-time (FY)(per budget doc)95.5 105.5 117.5 131.5 140.5 148.5 156.5 161.5 169.5 185.5Total Fred Co F&R Dept part-time (FY)(per budget doc)28 25 27 29 28 10 8 8 10 10^ Funding components included above 201620172018 20192020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025Annual Contributions580,060 1 824,418 702,239 702,239 702,239 707,339 707,339 651,479 7 763,199 707,339 Truck Supplements30,600 36,35054,200 48,250 -592,250 44,000 44,000 -988,000 EMS Expense Recovery Mileage & Split 832,526 746,790 1,107,225 3 821,651 937,385 878,453 1,099,575 1,201,089 1,247,027 1,226,746 Volunteer Training 12,92812,088 9,155 13,200 10,027 6,421 14,826 9,982 15,274 Fire Company Capital Program (spent)58,335 103,808 70,411 222,208 27,134 -107,365247,148 57,700 115,000 Proffer Funding135,771 210,136 501,600 139,000 325,047 -500,0004-for-Life86,659 85,26288,718 94,354 96,393 94,370 101,536-100,734205,676 10 Fire Programs219,662 205,724 306,044 - 4560,560 304,416 353,258 396,432 -451,240Property & Auto Insurance (2022+)214,178107,535 134,357202,347Other101,153 2 16,80023,097 6,000 18,236 230,372 6 8,895 169,775 8 11,186 30,316 2,044,766 2,242,216 2,364,022 1,903,857 2,355,147 2,818,827 2,781,567 3,157,331 2,324,185 3,541,938 Funding components NOT included aboveNotes:Audit Costs (@ $98,000/year)1 Round Hill & Star Tannery contributions were held for missing audit info. Paid in the next year.Volunteer Length of Service Program (@ $96,000/year)2 includes a transfer from Co contingency of $94,553 for North Mtn constructionWork Comp Hospital/Medical (@ $77,000/year)3 EMS Exp Recovery audit performed -- funds distributed from prior yearsOwnership/maintenance Millwood & Round Hill $153,000)4 Fire Program funds received Sept 2019- $273,930. Held due to incomplete audit. Paid in 2020.Millwood Station Debt Service - County portion (@ $107,000/year through 2036)5 not paid due to an oversight by F&R -- paid in 2021 for 2020Round Hill Debt Service - County portion (@ $240,000/year through 2036)6 $182k co purchased reserve units from vol. $41,652 fuel reimb to vol prior to co paying3Fuel (@ $225,000/year)7 Star Tannery contrinbution was held for missing audit info. Paid in the next year.Reduced Personal Property Tax Rate ($0 sticker & $2.25 vs. $4.23 = @$80,000/year)8 includes $163,777 in insurance reimbursements.9 not paid until Jan 202510 includes 2 years$0.0$5.0 $10.0 $15.0 $20.0 $25.0 $30.02016201720182019202020212022202320242025MillionsFrederick County Contributions to F&RTotal County Contributions to Vol F&R (CY) ^per county G/LTotal Frederick Co F&R Dept expenditures (FY)per ACFR Exhibit 12$15.0$28.2$11.1$12.3$16.3$17.5$18.0$20.8$22.1$25.12016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025Total Fred Co F&R Dept full-time (FY)(per budget doc)95.5 105.5 117.5 131.5 140.5 148.5 156.5 161.5 169.5 185.5020406080100120140160180200Total Fred Co F&R Dept full-time (FY)(per budget doc)Total increase of 90 Sharon Kibler:FY18 Co: SCBA replacement project $2.6 million413
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HCPCS Code 2026 Medicare Allowable Urban Current Frederick Co Fees 125% Medicare Allowable 150% Medicare Allowable 175% Medicare Allowable
A0425 Mileage $9.15 $11.00 $11.44 $13.73 $16.01
A0426 ALS 1 NE $344.16 $512.00 $430.20 $516.24 $602.28
A0427 ALS 1 E $544.91 $600.00 $681.14 $817.37 $953.59
A0428 BLS NE $286.80 $431.00 $358.50 $430.20 $501.90
A0429 BLS E $458.87 $500.00 $573.59 $688.31 $803.02
A0433 ALS 2 $788.69 $825.00 $985.86 $1,183.04 $1,380.21
Frederick County last rate change was in 2023.
Medicare announces new rate tables in December.
Frederick County's intent is to adjust rates to 175% of Medicare Allowable after the new rates are announced.
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Page 1 of 17
FREDERICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA FIRE RESCUE
SECURITY AND LIEN AGREEMENT FOR JOINT PURCHASE, OPERATION,
MAINTENANCE, AND DISPOSITION OF FIREFIGHTING APPARATUS
1. PARTIES AND PURPOSE
This Security and Lien Agreement for Joint Purchase, Operation, and Disposition of
Firefighting Apparatus ("Agreement") is made and entered into this ____ day of ____________,
2026, by and between the COUNTY OF FREDERICK, a political subdivision of the
Commonwealth of Virginia ("County"), and ________________ VOLUNTEER FIRE
COMPANY, a Virginia non-stock corporation ("Fire Company"), collectively referred to as the
"Parties."
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to jointly purchase, operate, and maintain certain firefighting
apparatus to serve the citizens of the County; and
WHEREAS, the Parties recognize the benefits of collaboration in providing emergency services
in a cost-effective and efficient manner; and
WHEREAS, on or about ______, the County established its Policy for Funding Requests from
Volunteer Fire and/or Rescue Corporations for Capital Apparatus Acquisition (“Policy”); and
WHERAS, pursuant to the Policy, the Parties wish to establish the terms and conditions for the
joint purchase, operation, maintenance, and eventual disposition of such firefighting apparatus;
and
WHEREAS, the Parties have the legal authority to enter into this Agreement pursuant to § 15.2-
1300 of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended); and
WHEREAS, this Agreement serves the public purpose of enhancing fire protection services
within the County;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained
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Page 2 of 17
herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
2. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
This Agreement shall consist of the following Documents, which are intended to be
complementary and to the extent possible read in harmony with one another. To the extent of
any real or apparent discrepancy between and among the Documents, such discrepancy shall be
resolved according to the following hierarchy:
A. This Agreement including Exhibits A-B
B. The Policy
C. Other Documents including but not limited to specifications, requests for proposals or
information, bids, quotations, or other related documents.
3. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
3.1. "Apparatus" means the firefighting vehicle and all associated equipment, tools, and
accessories jointly purchased by the Parties pursuant to this Agreement, as more particularly
described in Exhibit A attached hereto.
3.2. "Effective Date" means the date on which this Agreement is fully executed by both Parties.
3.3. "Emergency Response" means any deployment of the Apparatus for fire suppression, rescue
operations, hazardous materials incidents, or other emergency situations.
3.4 "Fiscal Year" means the County's fiscal year, which begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.
3.5. "Purchase Price" means the total cost of acquiring the Apparatus, including the base price,
optional equipment, delivery charges, and any applicable taxes or fees.
3.6. "Service Area" means the geographical area within the County that is primarily served by
the Fire Company.
3.7. "Frontline Life" means the estimated frontline service life of the Apparatus, which is
anticipated to be 15 (15) years from the date of purchase, unless otherwise determined by the
System Chief in consultation with the Apparatus Committee.
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Page 3 of 17
4. ACQUISITION AND OWNERSHIP
4.1 Purchase. The Parties agree to purchase the Apparatus described in Exhibit A for use in
providing fire protection services within the County in accordance with the Policy and any and
all applicable laws, regulations, and procedures as well as the following provisions.
4.2. Purchase Process. The procurement of the Apparatus shall be conducted in accordance with
the Virginia Public Procurement Act (Va. Code § 2.2-4300 et seq.) and the County's procurement
policies. The Parties shall determine whether the County or the Fire Company will serve as the
purchasing agent for the Apparatus based on appropriation of funds, financing options, and
consideration of other factors.
4.3. Cost Allocation. The Purchase Price of the Apparatus shall be allocated between the Parties
as follows:
a. The County shall contribute xx percent (xx%) of the Purchase Price.
b. The Fire Company shall contribute yy percent (yy%) of the Purchase Price.
c. Any grants, donations, or other external funding sources obtained specifically for the
purchase of the Apparatus shall be applied to reduce the total amount to be contributed by
the Parties in accordance with the percentages specified above.
4.4. Payment and Reimbursement; Payment Schedule. The Party acting as purchasing agent
shall pay the Purchase Price and any associated costs according to the Apparatus payment
schedule entered into as part of the purchase agreement with the vendor. If the Fire Company
acts as purchasing agent, the Fire Company shall submit requests for reimbursement of the
County’s portion of the Purchase Price within thirty (30) days of remittance of payment to the
vendor. If the County acts as purchasing agent, the Fire Company shall pay for its share of the
purchase price as set forth in Exhibit B or in a separate writing which shall be incorporated into
this Agreement.
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Page 4 of 17
4.5. Ownership. Upon delivery and acceptance of the Apparatus, the Fire Company shall own
the Apparatus, with the County owning a security interest in the apparatus equal to xx percent
(xx%) of the Purchase Price.
4.6. Title and Registration. The Apparatus shall be titled and registered in the name of the Fire
Company. The Fire Company shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining the appropriate
title and registration documents.
4.7. Insurance. The Fire Company shall maintain primary insurance coverage for the Apparatus,
including comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance as set forth below in Paragraph 9.1.
The County shall be named as an additional insured on any such policy.
5. OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNANCE
5.1. The Chief of Fire Rescue shall be responsible for administering the terms of this Agreement
subject to the Policy and applicable law, regulations, and procedures.
6. OPERATION AND USE
6.1. Primary Housing. The Apparatus shall be primarily housed at the Fire Company's station
located at [ADDRESS].
6.2. Operational Authority. The Fire Chief of the Fire Company shall have primary operational
authority over the Apparatus during routine operations within the Service Area. The System Fire
Chief shall have authority to deploy the Apparatus outside the Service Area as needed for mutual
aid or other emergency response.
6.3. Personnel and Staffing. The Fire Company shall be responsible for providing qualified and
properly trained personnel to operate the Apparatus. All operators must meet the minimum
training standards established by the County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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Page 5 of 17
6.4. Response Priority. The Apparatus shall be used primarily for emergency responses within
the Service Area. Secondary priority shall be given to mutual aid requests from neighboring
jurisdictions with which the County has mutual aid agreements.
6.5. Non-Emergency Use. The Apparatus may be used for non-emergency purposes, such as
training, public education events, and parades, with prior approval from the Fire Chief of the Fire
Company.
6.6. County-Wide Deployment. The County reserves the right to deploy the Apparatus
anywhere within the County during large-scale emergencies, as determined by the System Fire
Chief or designee.
6.7. Prohibited Uses. The Apparatus shall not be used for any private, commercial, or political
purpose or in any manner that violates applicable laws, regulations, or procedures.
6.8. Operational Records. The Fire Company shall maintain detailed records of all emergency
responses, training activities, and other uses of the Apparatus. These records shall be submitted
to the County on a schedule and in a format approved by the System Chief.
7. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
7.1. Routine Maintenance. The Fire Company shall be responsible for performing and
documenting all routine maintenance on the Apparatus in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations and industry standards. This includes, but is not limited to:
a. Regular inspections and testing;
b. Fluid checks and changes;
d. Filter replacements;
e. Lubrication;
f. Pump testing; and
g. Cleaning and washing.
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Page 6 of 17
7.2. Maintenance Records. The Fire Company shall maintain detailed records of all
maintenance performed on the Apparatus. These records shall be submitted to the County on a
schedule and in a format approved by the System Chief.
7.3. Repairs. The Fire Company shall promptly address and repair any mechanical issues or
damages. The Fire Company shall notify the County of any such needed repairs within twenty-
four (24) hours.
7.4. Annual Inspection. The Apparatus shall undergo a comprehensive annual state inspection
by a qualified mechanic. The inspection report shall be submitted on a schedule and in a format
approved by the System Chief.
7.5. Manufacturer Recalls. The Fire Company shall promptly address any manufacturer recalls
or safety notices related to the Apparatus and shall coordinate with the County to ensure
compliance with all such notices.
8. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
8.1 Fuel Costs. The County shall provide a fuel card for use with the Apparatus. All fuel
purchases shall be documented and reported to the County on a monthly basis.
8.2. Grant Funding. The Parties shall cooperate in seeking grant funding for the
maintenance, upgrade, or eventual replacement of the Apparatus. Any grant funds obtained shall
be applied to reduce the shared costs in accordance with the percentages specified in Section 8.2.
9. LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
c. 9.1. Insurance Requirement. The Fire Company shall maintain comprehensive insurance
coverage for the Apparatus, including general liability, property damage, and automobile liability,
with limits of not less than $3,000,000 per occurrence. The County shall be named as an
additional insured on all such policies.
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Page 7 of 17
.
9.2. Workers' Compensation. The County shall be responsible for providing workers'
compensation coverage for its own employees or volunteers who operate or maintain the
Apparatus.
9.3. Liability During Operation. During emergency response operations, the liability for the
Apparatus shall be governed by the Virginia Fire and EMS Immunity Statute (Va. Code § 27-
23.6).
9.4. Mutual Indemnification. To the extent allowed by law, each Party shall indemnify, defend,
and hold harmless the other Party from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities,
losses, and expenses arising out of or resulting from the indemnifying Party's negligence,
recklessness, or willful misconduct in connection with the operation, maintenance, or use of the
Apparatus.
9.5. Limitation of Liability. Neither Party shall be liable to the other for any indirect, incidental,
special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, regardless
of whether such damages were foreseeable or whether either Party had been advised of the
possibility of such damages.
9.6. Third-Party Claims. In the event of a third-party claim arising from the operation or
maintenance of the Apparatus, the Parties agree to cooperate fully in the defense of such claim.
The costs of defending against such claims shall be shared in accordance with the percentages
specified in Section 8.2, unless the claim arises solely from the negligence of one Party.
7. REPLACEMENT AND DISPOSITION
10.1. Replacement Planning. Beginning in the tenth (10th) year after the purchase of the
Apparatus, the System Apparatus Committee shall develop and recommend a replacement plan,
including a proposed timeline and funding strategy.
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Page 8 of 17
10.2. End of Frontline Life. When the Apparatus reaches the end of its Frontline Life, as
determined by the System Chief, the Parties shall mutually agree on one or more of the following
options:
a. Replacement of the Apparatus with a new firefighting apparatus under the same or
revised ownership arrangement;
b. Sale or trade-in of the Apparatus to offset the cost of a replacement;
a. Disposition of the Apparatus through sale, auction, or donation;
b. Placement of the Apparatus in reserve status.
10.3. Early Replacement. If, prior to the end of its Useful Life, the Apparatus requires repairs
that exceed fifty percent (50%) of its then-current fair market value, the System Apparatus
Committee may recommend early replacement or disposition.
10.4. Sale Proceeds. In the event the Apparatus is sold, the net proceeds (after deducting all
costs associated with the sale) shall be allocated toward the purchase of a new Apparatus subject
to the Policy and the determination of the County as advised by the System Apparatus
Committee and the System Steering Committee regarding the requirement for a new Apparatus.
10.5. Placement in Reserve Status. In the event the Apparatus is placed in reserve status and
not sold or otherwise disposed of, the Fire Company shall be awarded credit toward the purchase
of a new Apparatus in an amount equivalent to yy% of the sale value of the Apparatus as
determined by a qualified appraiser.
10.6. Donation. If the Parties agree to donate the Apparatus, they shall mutually agree on the
recipient, which shall be a governmental entity or nonprofit organization engaged in fire
protection or public safety.
10.7. Documentation. Upon disposition of the Apparatus, the Parties shall execute all necessary
documents to transfer title and ownership in accordance with Virginia law.
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8. TERM AND TERMINATION
11.1. Term. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect for
the Useful Life of the Apparatus, unless earlier terminated as provided herein.
11.2. Termination by Mutual Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by
mutual written agreement of the Parties.
11.3. Termination for Cause. Either Party may terminate this Agreement for cause if the other
Party materially breaches any term or condition of this Agreement and fails to cure such breach
within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice thereof.
11.4. Termination by Fire Company. The Fire Company may terminate this Agreement upon
one hundred eighty (180) days' written notice to the County if:
a. The Fire Company ceases to provide fire protection services within the County; or
b. The Fire Company determines that it can no longer fulfill its obligations under
this Agreement.
11.5. Termination by County. The County may terminate this Agreement upon one hundred
eighty (180) days' written notice to the Fire Company if:
a. The County establishes a career fire department that assumes responsibility for
the Service Area; or
b. The County determines that the Fire Company is not operating the Apparatus in
accordance with applicable laws, regulations, or standards.
11.6. Effect of Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Parties shall mutually
agree on one of the following options:
a. One Party may purchase the other Party's interest in the Apparatus at fair market
value, as determined by a qualified appraiser mutually selected by the Parties;
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b. The Apparatus may be sold to a third party, with the proceeds distributed between
the Parties in proportion to their respective ownership interests; or
c. The Parties may continue to jointly own the Apparatus under a new agreement
with revised terms and conditions.
11.7. Continuing Obligations. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve either Party
of any obligations accrued prior to the effective date of termination.
9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
12.1. Good Faith Negotiations. The Parties agree to work together in good faith to resolve any
disputes arising under or in connection with this Agreement.
12.2. Mediation. If the Parties are unable to resolve a dispute through good faith negotiations,
the County may require that the dispute shall be submitted to mediation before a mediator
mutually selected by the Parties. The cost of mediation shall be shared equally by the Parties.
12.3. Arbitration. If mediation is unsuccessful in resolving the dispute within sixty (60) days
after the appointment of a mediator, the dispute shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance
with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall be conducted in the
County, and the cost of arbitration shall be shared equally by the Parties. The Arbitrator’s
decision shall be advisory and shall be presented to the Board of Supervisors within thirty (30)
days of issuance.
12.4. Final Decision. The final decision regarding the resolution of any dispute arising under
this Agreement shall be made by the Board of Supervisors by passage of a motion at a regular or
special meeting of the Board.
12.5. Continued Performance. Pending final resolution of any dispute, the Parties shall
continue to fulfill their respective obligations under this Agreement.
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10. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
13.1. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including all exhibits attached hereto, constitutes the
entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all
prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements, whether written or oral.
13.2. Amendments. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by
both Parties.
13.3. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when
delivered personally, sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or sent by overnight courier
service, addressed as follows:
If to the County:
County Administrator
107 N. Kent St.
Winchester, VA 22601
With a copy to:
Frederick County Fire Rescue System Chief
1080 Coverstone Drive
Winchester, VA 22602
and
County Attorney
107 N. Kent St.
Winchester, VA 22601
If to the Fire Company:
President
[FIRE COMPANY NAME]
[FIRE COMPANY ADDRESS]
[CITY, VA ZIP CODE]
13.4. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
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Page 12 of 17
the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law
provision or rule.
13.5. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or
unenforceable under present or future laws, such provision shall be fully severable, and this
Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision
had never been part of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force
and effect.
13.6. Waiver. The failure of either Party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be
construed as a waiver or limitation of that Party's right to subsequently enforce and compel strict
compliance with every provision of this Agreement.
13.7. Assignment. Neither Party may assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Party.
13.8. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the Parties and
their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing herein, express or implied, is
intended to or shall confer upon any other person or entity any legal or equitable right, benefit, or
remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
13.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement.
A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, email, or other means of electronic
transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy
of this Agreement.
13.10. Authority to Execute. Each Party represents and warrants that it has full power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and that this Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed, and delivered and constitutes a valid and binding agreement enforceable in accordance
with its terms.
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13.11. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not affect the
interpretation of this Agreement.
13.12. Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence with respect to all provisions of this
Agreement that specify a time for performance.
13.13. Survival. Any provisions of this Agreement that, by their nature, extend beyond the
termination of this Agreement shall survive such termination and shall remain in effect until all
obligations are satisfied.
13.14. Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable or responsible to the other Party, nor be
deemed to have defaulted under or breached this Agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling
or performing any term of this Agreement, when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused
by or results from acts beyond the affected Party's reasonable control, including, without
limitation, acts of God, flood, fire, earthquake, explosion, governmental actions, war, invasion,
or hostilities, terrorist threats or acts, riot, or other civil unrest, national emergency, revolution,
insurrection, epidemic, lock-outs, strikes or other labor disputes, or restraints or delays affecting
carriers or inability or delay in obtaining supplies of adequate or suitable materials.
13.15. Compliance with Laws. Each Party shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and
local laws, regulations, and ordinances in performing its obligations under this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first
above written.
COUNTY OF FREDERICK, VIRGINIA
By: ________________________
[NAME], County Administrator
ATTEST:
_________________________
[NAME], County Clerk
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
[NAME], County Attorney
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[FIRE COMPANY NAME] VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
By: ________________________
[NAME], President
ATTEST:
_________________________
[NAME], Secretary
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EXHIBIT A
DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS
Detailed description of the firefighting apparatus, including:
1. Make and model
2. Year of manufacture
3. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
4. Engine specifications
5. Pump capacity
6. Water tank capacity
7. Aerial device specifications (if applicable)
8. List of major components and equipment
9. Purchase price
10. Warranty information
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EXHIBIT B
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
The _________ shall pay its contribution toward the Purchase Price of the Apparatus according
to the following schedule:
A. Initial Payment: $__________ due _____________________________
B. Subsequent Payments $________ due __________________________
C. Final Payment: $__________ due _____________________________
Total Fire Company Contribution: $__________ (yy% of Purchase Price)
County Contribution: $__________ (xx% of Purchase Price)
Total Purchase Price: $_________
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1
Frederick County Policy
Joint County and Volunteer Fire and/or Rescue Corporations for Acquisition, Operation,
Maintenance, and Disposition of Fire Apparatus
PURPOSE: To establish a mechanism for Volunteer Fire and/or Rescue Corporations recognized
under Chapter 89 of the codified ordinances of Frederick County to request funding for capital
apparatus acquisition under the County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in accordance with
Frederick County and Frederick County Fire Rescue System (FCFRS) policies; and to govern the
procurement, operation, maintenance, and disposition of such equipment. This policy is primarily
designed to function as an apparatus replacement program for existing services and is not generally
designed to fund new services.
DEFINITIONS:
Aerial Apparatus: An apparatus designed to be used under emergency conditions to transport
personnel and equipment and to support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous
situations. Said apparatus is equipped with an aerial ladder, elevating platform, or water tower that
is designed and certified to support firefighting and rescue operations by positioning personnel,
handling materials, providing continuous egress, and/or discharging water at positions elevated
from the ground. Apparatuses in this category may be referred to as a Ladder Truck, Ladder Tower,
Tower Ladder, Tractor-drawn Aerial Ladder Truck, or Quint.
Capital Improvement Program: As required by Virginia law and approved by the Board of
Supervisors, provides a five-year forecast of the County’s General Government and Public
Schools’ land, facility, and equipment needs, with a financing plan to implement each need. The
CIP facilitates land acquisition, design, construction, and capital equipment procurement for each
project. Potential projects are evaluated in relation to each other to ensure that the highest priority
projects receive public funding, with essential improvements planned in a manner commensurate
with the County's ability to pay.
EMS Transport Unit: As defined by § 32.1-111.1 of the Code of Virginia, any apparatus that holds
a valid permit issued by the Office of EMS and that is specially constructed, equipped, maintained
and operated, and intended to be used for emergency medical care and the transportation of patients
who are sick, injured, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated or helpless.
Fire Engine: An apparatus designed to be used under emergency conditions to transport personnel
and equipment and to support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations.
Said apparatus shall be equipped with a permanently mounted fire pump of at least 1,500 gpm (3000
L/min) capacity, water tank, and hose body whose primary purpose is to combat structural and
other fires. Apparatuses in this category may generally be referred to as an Engine or Pumper.
Frederick County Fire and Rescue System Chief: The individual who has the responsibility of
overseeing and leading the FCFRS, with the duties and responsibilities outlined in Chapter 89 of the
Codified Ordinances of Frederick County and who is the department head of the Department of
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Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management, or similarly named county government agency as
established pursuant to Va. Code Title 27. The System Chief shall be hired by and report to the
County Administrator.
Rescue Squad/Rescue Engine: An apparatus designed to be used under emergency conditions to
transport personnel and equipment and to support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other
hazardous situations. Said apparatus are equipped with a compliment of tools, supplies and
materials to provide a wide array of rescue services encountered in man-made and natural
emergencies. Apparatuses in this category may be generally referred to as a Heavy Rescue, Rescue,
Technical Rescue Apparatus or Rescue Engine.
Security and Lien Agreement: A legal document defining the relationship between Frederick
County and Volunteer Fire or Rescue Companies as identified in Chapter 89 of the Codified
Ordinances of Frederick County who receive public funds to purchase apparatuses under the CIP
program. Appropriated CIP funds and a fully executed agreement must be in place prior to the
purchase of the apparatus pursuant to this policy.
System Apparatus Committee: a committee of subject matter experts on apparatus
specifications, service life, usage, maintenance, and other factors composed of members appointed
by the System Chief, including but not limited to County personnel and Volunteer personnel which
shall advise the System Chief on matters related to apparatuses and the administration of this
policy.
System Steering Committee: a committee of subject matter experts on fire prevention,
emergency management, medical response, and other responsibilities of the County Fire Rescue
department composed of members appointed by the System Chief in consultation with the Chief’s
Work Group Chair and the Volunteer Association President, including but not limited to County
personnel and Volunteer personnel which shall advise the System Chief on matters related to the
general administration of the System including the implementation of this policy.
Tanker/Tender: An apparatus designed to be used under emergency conditions to transport
personnel and equipment and to support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous
situations. Said apparatus generally carries 1,500 to 4,000 gallons of water and is designed
primarily for transporting water to assist in the control of fires.
Volunteer Fire and/or Rescue Company/Corporation : A volunteer firefighting or EMS
organization formed pursuant to Va. Code § 27-8 et seq., as recognized by the Board of Supervisors
under Chapter 89 of the codified ordinances of Frederick County, located within the geographic
boundaries of Frederick County.
Wildland/Brush Apparatus: An apparatus designed to be used under emergency conditions to
transport personnel and equipment and to support the suppression of wildland urban interface fires,
brush, and grass fires. Said apparatuses are equipped with a complement of tools, supplies and
materials to extinguish these types of fires. Apparatuses in this category may be generally referred
to as an Attack, or Brush.
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PROCEDURES/POLICY:
The Board of Supervisors (Board), at its discretion, provides funding to assist volunteer fire and/or
rescue corporations recognized under Chapter 89 of the Codified Ordinances of Frederick County
with the purchase of certain fire and rescue apparatus. For this policy, the term “apparatus”
generally refers to Fire Engines, Tankers/Tenders, Aerial Apparatus, Rescue Squads, Rescue
Engines, Wildland/Brush and EMS transport units as defined above. Other apparatuses that
provide unique, one-of-a-kind services will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A request from
a Company to the County to partially or fully fund apparatus acquisition shall also include the cost
of fully outfitting and equipping the apparatus to the County’s specifications; otherwise, this policy
is not intended to fund supplemental equipment for apparatuses. This policy outlines the
administration of capital funding allocations in the County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
1. All funding requests for fire and/or rescue apparatus made by Volunteer Fire and/or Rescue
Corporations to the County shall only be accommodated in the County’s five-year CIP
budget based upon revenue availability. The County shall accept or reject requests for
capital funding from Volunteer Corporations based upon available capital funds and in
accordance with County fiscal policies. When funding requests are accepted, the County
will attempt to honor funding requests made by Volunteer Corporations in the requested
timeframe. The Board of Supervisors retains absolute discretion regarding the CIP and
appropriation of County funds.
2. To qualify for consideration, the value of apparatus must exceed $100,000.00 per
apparatus, and have useful life of longer than five years per County fiscal policy.
3. Under this policy, there are two funding options whereby Volunteer Corporations can
request funding from the County: up to 60% County funded or 100% County funded. The
percentage of requested funding shall determine the relationship between the County and
the Volunteer Corporation with respect to the procurement and disposition of the apparatus.
Responsibility for operation and maintenance of the apparatus shall be governed by this
policy and the security and lien agreement.
4. All requests for capital apparatus funding made by Volunteer Fire and/or Rescue
Corporations must be directed to the System Chief of FCFRS no later than September 1 of
each calendar year. The request must consist of written correspondence on corporate
letterhead from the Volunteer Fire and/or Rescue Corporation’s President that clearly
outlines the specifics of the request (amount of requested funding, type of apparatus, etc.).
5. When a funding request for Fire and/or Rescue Capital Apparatus is made by a Volunteer
Corporation at the level of up to 60% County funding, the following information must be
included in the letter from the volunteer corporation:
a. Description of requested apparatus(s) and intended use.
b. Statement of Need for the Apparatus and commitment to ensure that the apparatus
will comply with applicable County/State/Federal/National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) standards.
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c. Whether the funding request is for a new apparatus or to replace an existing
apparatus in the Volunteer Company’s fleet.
d. Statement of intent for replaced apparatuses (e.g. to be sold; added to existing
reserve fleet)
e. Payment schedule and outstanding debt related to other apparatuses and facilities
owned by the Volunteer Corporation
f. Volunteer Corporation Funding Plan for apparatus acquisition
g. The Volunteer Corporation’s ability to pay for the apparatus, to include down
payments, cash payments and ongoing debt service or loan payments.
h. Description of and copy of pleadings for any pending legal action, civil and/or
criminal investigations, or litigation against the Volunteer Corporation including
any liens or encumbrances recorded against its apparatuses or property. In the event
that a court of competent jurisdiction has directed that all documents pertaining to
a case are sealed from public disclosure, said determination shall be reported.
6. At the up to 60% request, the System Chief, with input from the System Steering
Committee and System Apparatus Committee, will review funding requests for fire and/or
rescue apparatus made by Volunteer Corporations for the following reasons:
a. Consistency with the current Board-adopted Service Plan.
b. The need for the type of apparatus requested from an operational service and
response time standard in conjunction with the Volunteer Corporation’s existing
apparatus inventory (if applicable) and other nearby stations and response corridors.
c. Volunteer Corporation Funding Plan and budgeted cost estimation for the apparatus
acquisition
d. The Volunteer Corporation’s ability to pay for the apparatus, to include down
payments, cash payments and ongoing debt service or loan payments.
e. Pending legal action, civil and/or criminal investigations, or litigation against the
Volunteer Corporation.
7. When a funding request for Fire and/or Rescue Capital Apparatus is made by a Volunteer
Corporation at the level of 100% County funding, the following information must be
included in the letter from the volunteer corporation:
a. Description of requested apparatus(s) and intended use.
b. Statement of Need for the Apparatus
c. Whether the funding request is for a new apparatus or to replace an existing
apparatus in the Volunteer Company’s fleet.
d. Statement of intent for replaced apparatuses (e.g. to be sold; added to existing
reserve fleet)
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e. The Volunteer Corporation’s Owned Apparatus Inventory
f. Description of and copy of pleadings for any pending legal action, civil and/or
criminal investigations, or litigation against the Volunteer Corporation including
any liens or encumbrances recorded against its apparatuses or property. In the event
that a court of competent jurisdiction has directed that all documents pertaining to
a case are sealed from public disclosure, said determination shall be reported.
8. At the 100% request, the System Chief, with input from the System Steering Committee
and System Apparatus Committee, will review funding requests for fire and/or rescue
apparatus made by Volunteer Corporations for the following factors:
a. Consistency with the current Board-adopted Service Plan.
b. The need for the type of apparatus requested from an operational service and
response time standard in conjunction with the Volunteer Corporation’s existing
apparatus inventory (if applicable) and other nearby stations and response corridors.
c. Pending legal action, civil and/or criminal investigations, or litigation against the
Volunteer Corporation
9. Requests received by the System Chief will be evaluated and consolidated into a single
actionable item and forwarded to the FCFRS System Steering Committee and, System
Apparatus Committee for review. The role of the System Steering Committee and System
Apparatus Committee is advisory to the System Chief in determining the priority of
funding requests as well as providing recommendations for approval and/or denial of
requests.
10. Requests recommended by the System Chief will be forwarded to the County
Administrator for funding consideration in the County’s five- year CIP. The Chief of the
FCFRS will ensure that Companies engaged in the CIP process are regularly updated
concerning the status of their request in the CIP process.
11. The County Administrator retains discretion to include funding requests submitted by the
System Chief as part of the Proposed Fiscal Plan and CIP Budget provided to the Board of
Supervisors for their consideration for appropriation in the County’s annual Fiscal Plan.
12. All apparatuses purchased under this program must include graphics that identify the
apparatus as a component of the FCFRS. Such graphics shall be consistent with the
graphics package of the apparatus and shall, at a minimum, include the words “Frederick
County”.
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13. In instances where the Volunteer Corporation is requesting up to 60% of the purchase price
from the County in accordance with sub-section 5 of this policy:
a. The parties will collaborate to procure the apparatus in accordance with the
Virginia Public Procurement Act and associated regulations and policies.
b. The Apparatus shall be titled and registered in the name of the Fire Company.
c. The Volunteer Corporation agrees to enter into a Security and Lien Agreement with
the County for the established front-line service life of the apparatus as defined in
the Security and Lien Agreement and FCFRS policy. The County must
prospectively approve the release of any Lien.
d. The Volunteer Corporation assumes full and complete responsibility for the
insurance, maintenance, fuel and repairs of the apparatus, unless otherwise agreed
upon between the County and the Corporation.
e. The contract for the purchase must be executed within 12 months of funding
appropriation in the CIP. A single six-month extension may be granted by the
System Chief. If the purchase is not executed within 18 months, the funding will be
forfeited, and the corporation will have to re-apply for future CIP funding.
14. In those instances where the Volunteer Corporation seeks 100% funding by the County,
the specifications for the apparatus and procurement process shall be controlled by the
County exclusively. The apparatus shall be delivered in the color scheme and graphics
package, which will include the name and lettering of the Volunteer Company, approved
by the System Chief.
15. Requests for funding new types of capital apparatus not typically purchased by Frederick
County must obtain the endorsement of the System Steering Committee, and System
Apparatus Committee of the Frederick County Fire Rescue System and approval of the
System Chief of the FCFRS in writing prior to its inclusion in any capital funding in the
County’s CIP.
16. This is a reimbursement program when shared funding occurs between the County and a
Volunteer Corporation pursuant to this policy and the security lien agreement for the
apparatus. The Volunteer Corporation must execute the security and lien agreement.
17. If the Volunteer Corporation elects for the County to procure the apparatus and for the
Volunteer Corporation to reimburse the county at least 40% of the acquisition price, the
County will procure the apparatus and the security and lien agreement will reflect the
Volunteer Corporation’s intent to proceed in this fashion as approved by the System Chief,
including the schedule and terms of the reimbursement.
18. It is the intent of the County to fund this program using local tax funding. In the event the
use of debt financing is required, the Volunteer Corporation shall execute all tax
disclosures and other documents reasonably requested by the County’s bond counsel in a
timely manner in order to receive reimbursement from the proceeds of any bonds issued
by the County.
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19. Following purchase and placement in service, operation and maintenance of the apparatus
shall be the responsibility of the Volunteer Corporation as more fully set out in the security
and lien agreement.
20. At the end of its service life or for other good cause as set forth in the security and lien
agreement, the County and the Volunteer Corporation may dispose of the apparatus by
sale, donation, or other agreed-upon means with any proceeds of the disposition being
divided between the County and the Volunteer Corporation; or may place the apparatus in
reserve status. Proceeds of the sale of an apparatus shall be allocated toward purchase of
a new Apparatus subject to this policy and the advice of the System Apparatus Committee
and the System Steering Committee.
21. If the apparatus is placed in reserve status, the Volunteer Company shall receive credit
toward the purchase of a new apparatus subject to this policy in an amount equivalent to
the original contributed percentage of the agreed current sale value of the apparatus being
placed in reserve status
22. Should a Volunteer Company be dissolved during the term of a security and lien agreement
for the purchase of an apparatus, either by its own action or by action of the Board of
Supervisors, the System Steering Committee and System Apparatus Committee shall
recommend to the System Chief whether to keep in service or dispose of any apparatus
procured pursuant to this policy. For apparatuses kept in service, the System Chief shall
recommend to the County Administrator for his/her consideration and approval by the
Board of Supervisors any equitable payment to the Volunteer Company based on its actual
contributions toward the purchase of the apparatus or a proportionate share of the
depreciated value of the apparatus, whichever is less. For apparatuses determined to be
disposed of, the System chief shall make a corresponding recommendation regarding any
sales proceeds. Any payment or proceeds described above may only be used by the
dissolved Volunteer Corporation for the satisfaction of liabilities or as otherwise allowed
by law.
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Frederick County Fire & Rescue
10-Year Plan
January 1, 2026 – January 1, 2036
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Contents
Frederick County Fire & Rescue System .......................................................................................... 3
Fire & Rescue Department .......................................................................................................... 4
Fire and Rescue Association & Chiefs Work Group ....................................................................... 5
Volunteer Fire Companies .......................................................................................................... 5
Fire Station Response Areas ........................................................................................................ 6
10-Year Plan Overview .................................................................................................................. 7
Planning Approach ..................................................................................................................... 7
Service Level Expectations ......................................................................................................... 7
Deployment Planning ..................................................................................................................... 8
System Goals ................................................................................................................................ 8
System Accomplishments ............................................................................................................... 9
System Performance .................................................................................................................... 11
Incident Response “Call” Volume .............................................................................................. 12
Company & Staffed Unit Incident Response Volume ................................................................ 13
Incident Concurrency ............................................................................................................... 13
Response Time Performance ..................................................................................................... 15
Response Time Considerations ............................................................................................... 18
Staffing ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Medics.................................................................................................................................... 23
Apparatus ................................................................................................................................... 24
Apparatus Deployment Principles .............................................................................................. 24
Recommended Apparatus Replacement Funding ......................................................................... 25
Apparatus Funding Type & Eligibility ........................................................................................ 25
Recommended Apparatus Replacement Schedule ........................................................................ 26
Facilities..................................................................................................................................... 29
Recommended Facility Construction and Renovation Projects ....................................................... 29
Fire Station 22 ......................................................................................................................... 31
Site Selection ....................................................................................................................... 31
Station Design ...................................................................................................................... 34
10-Year Plan Implementation........................................................................................................ 35
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Frederick County Fire & Rescue System
Fire and Rescue services in Frederick County were originally provided by a collection of
individual volunteer fire companies. The companies were formed, often in response to a
significant local incident, by concerned citizens to help protect their neighbors and communities.
In addition to giving their time to volunteer, some of the individuals who helped found the first
volunteer fire companies put their own homes up as collateral to finance the purchase of the
initial fire apparatus and fire stations.
In August of 1990, the career Frederick County Fire & Rescue Department was established and
began placing full-time paid staff in the volunteer stations. Over the next 30 years the Fire &
Rescue service in Frederick County continued to grow and evolve, culminating in the official
establishment of the combination career-volunteer Frederick County Fire Rescue System per
Chapter 89 of the Frederick County Code under the unified command of the System Chief.
The establishment of the Fire & Rescue System continues the legacy of the selfless contributions
of the volunteer companies and their members while recognizing the challenges of the modern
Fire and Rescue world. Increasing call volumes and ever-evolving training needs contribute to
the nationwide and local reality of decreasing volunteer participation.
The System today is served by 188 career uniformed staff members and approximately 140
volunteer operational members. While most daily incident responses are handled by career staff,
the volunteer operational members maintain a critical surge capacity for the System.
The Fire & Rescue System provides wide-ranging emergency services:
• Structural and wildland firefighting
• Basic and advanced emergency medical services
• Specialized responses: hazardous materials response, swift water rescue
• Emergency management planning and hazards mitigation
• Fire prevention education, inspections, and building plans review
• Fire and hazardous materials investigations
The volunteer companies maintain a like number of non-operational “administrative” members
who play a pivotal role in the funding and operation of the volunteer companies. In addition to
the similar struggle with declining membership seen on the operational side, the administrative
volunteers face exponential increases in the cost to acquire and maintain emergency apparatus,
facilities, and equipment.
Historically, the eleven volunteer companies have utilized a combination of fundraising, grants,
County, and state funding to construct and maintain fire stations, purchase and maintain
apparatus, and train and equip operational volunteer members. Specific funding sources include:
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• Direct fundraisers and community donations
• Private, state, and federal grants
• A portion of EMS Fee for Service reimbursements
• State Fire Program Aid to Localities (ATL) and EMS 4-For-Life funds
• Frederick County direct contributions to individual companies under a formula that has
not been updated in over 15 years
• Frederick County assumption of fuel and insurance costs for frontline apparatus
• Frederick County contributions for volunteer length of service awards, training, and
apparatus reimbursement, which is capped at $25,000 per vehicle
As the volunteer companies have evolved, Frederick County now owns two of the fire stations,
jointly operating them with their respective volunteer companies under lease agreements. The
remaining nine fire stations remain under volunteer ownership. None of the nine volunteer-
owned fire stations were constructed to house 24/7 career staffing and some were not originally
constructed as fire stations. Numerous additions and renovations have been made to
accommodate career staffing and modern fire apparatus.
Frederick County is currently constructing its first non-volunteer fire station near the intersection
of Tasker Road and Route 522 in southeast Frederick County. This fire station, Fire Station 22,
will be designed to accommodate 24/7 staffing in a modern, efficient facility. Fire Station 22 is
projected to open in Fall 2027. Additional information about Fire Station 22, along with other
system improvements in staffing, apparatus, and facilities, are detailed in this 10-Year Plan.
Fire & Rescue Department
Headed by the System Chief, the Fire & Rescue Department is organized into 5 divisions, each
led by a Deputy Fire Chief.
Administration Division
• Responsible for Human Resources, Health & Wellness, and Training
Emergency Management & Planning
• Responsible for Emergency Management, including the Emergency Management
Coordinator and the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator
• Responsible for the Frederick County Emergency Operations Center
• Responsible for system-level strategic planning
Life Safety
• Responsible for fire protection plans review, fire inspections, fire investigations, fire code
permits, and fire code enforcement
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Operations
• Responsible for fire, rescue, and emergency medical service operations and management
• Organized into 3 shifts (A, B, & C), each working 24 hours and led by a Battalion Chief
• Geographically structured into 3 Battalions
o Battalion 1: Fire Stations 11, 12, 17, and 19
o Battalion 2: Fire Stations 13, 18, and 21
o Battalion 3: Fire Stations 14, 15, 16, and 20
Support Services
• Responsible for apparatus, facilities, and logistics functions
Fire and Rescue Association & Chiefs Work Group
The Frederick County Fire and Rescue Association is established under Chapter 89 of the Code
of Frederick County. The purpose of the Association is to provide “advice, counsel, and
recommendations to the System Chief on matters pertaining to FCFRS which include but are not
limited to administration guidelines, policies, procedures, fiscal matters, recruitment and
retention, and objectives of the volunteer companies.” The Code of Frederick County also
established the Chiefs Work Group, a standing committee of the Association that serves as an
operational advisory group to the System Chief. The Chiefs Work Group provides “advice,
counsel, and recommendations to the Association and System Chief on matters pertaining to
operational policies, equipment standardization, EMS and fire-related rescues and responses, fire
prevention, and fire suppression, as well as operational objectives of the volunteer companies.”
The Fire and Rescue Association serves as an administrative advisory group while the Chiefs
Work Group serves as an operational advisory group.
Volunteer Fire Companies
Fire Company District Area (mile2) Road Miles in District Population
FS11 Stephens City 52.2 237 31,058
FS12 Middletown1 36.2 81 (1171) 4,220 (4,9301)
FS13 Clear Brook 51.7 185 12,706
FS14 Gore 40.6 101 3,040
FS15 Round Hill 42.9 163 10,287
FS16 Gainesboro 44.8 138 7,036
FS17 Star Tannery2 37.0 70 (1182) 1,323 (2,6832)
FS18 Greenwood 17.3 106 21,997
FS19 North Mountain 38.2 124 5,837
FS20 Reynolds Store 52.6 112 2,768
FS21 Millwood Station 21.9 84 8,772
1. Fire Station 12 Middletown has a designated first due area, providing primary fire & rescue
service, in a portion of Warren County. The data in parentheses reflects the full coverage area.
2. Fire Station 17 Star Tannery has a designated first due area, providing primary fire & rescue
service, in a portion of Shenandoah County. The data in parentheses reflects the full coverage
area.
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Fire Station Response Areas
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10-Year Plan Overview
The Frederick County Fire & Rescue System has developed a 10-Year Plan to explain the overall
direction of the department and characterize major initiatives. The 10-Year Plan is a living
document that will be updated annually as reflected by changing conditions or opportunities.
Planning Approach
The plan utilizes a system-wide approach that includes both career and volunteer considerations
for three overarching initiatives:
• Staffing
• Apparatus
• Facilities
The three overarching initiatives are contingent upon adequate funding in the form of annual
operating budget and capital improvement plan requests, as explained within this 10-Year Plan.
Service Level Expectations
As a combination career-volunteer department, the Fire & Rescue System has established
realistic and achievable deployment standards in coordination with the Frederick County Board
of Supervisors. The National Fire Protection Association’s standard 1720 Standard for the
Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations,
and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments, which also applies to
combination departments, served as the basis for the deployment standards.
• Response Distance
o Travel time from the fire station to the incident scene
• Response Availability
o The availability of staffed units
o The availability of volunteers for additional personnel and/or units
o The availability of units to handle concurrent calls in the same response district
• Effective Response Force
o The ability to respond with an appropriate number & type of resources
o The ability to respond with the appropriate trained & equipped resources
NFPA 1720 Performance Standards by Demand Zone
Demand
Zone
Demographics Minimum
Staffing
Response
Time
Goal
(% of time)
Urban >1000 people/mi2 15 9 Minutes 90%
Suburban 500-1000 people/mi2 10 10 Minutes 80%
Rural <500 people/mi2 6 14 Minutes 80%
Remote Travel Distance >8 Miles 4 Determined by FD 90%
Special Risks Determined by FD Risk Based Determined by FD 90%
Based on a 2,000sq/ft 2-story single-family home without a basement or exposures such as other nearby houses.
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In the table, Response Time refers to the time elapsed between dispatch notifying crews of the
emergency and the arrival of crews on the incident scene. This includes turnout time, which is
the time for crews to don necessary protective gear and board their apparatus. Response Time
does not include the time for dispatch to answer and process a 911 call before notifying the
appropriate companies. Dispatch standards recommend that 911 calls be answered within 20
seconds 95% of the time and that 911 calls are processed in 60 seconds or less 90% of the time.
Deployment Planning
Within the past 10 years Frederick County has utilized multiple fire service consultants to
analyze the department and produce data and recommendations to enhance service delivery,
including data to support site selection for Fire Station 22.
• Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover Study January 2018
• Service Delivery and Performance Assessment September 2022
• Service Delivery Analysis September 2025
The 10-Year plan has been informed by these and other sources to guide the direction of the
System forward effectively and efficiently.
System Goals
The Fire & Rescue Department is focused on 3 primary goals within the 10-Year Plan.
Staffing
-Provide safe staffing for
all fire stations
-Provide sufficient
personnel to staff
concurrent calls at
selected fire stations
-Implement staffing
policies that promote
crew integrity & area
familiarity
Apparatus
-Create apparatus
standards for uniformity
in purchasing and
maintenance
-“Right Size” the fleet to
provide the appropriate
types and numbers of
primary and reserve
apparatus
-Support apparatus
purchases to modernize
the fleet for safety and
efficiency
Facilities
-Provide adequate
dormitory and living
space for assigned staff
-Reduce or eliminate
contamination &
exposure in fire station
living spaces
-Provide sufficient space
for apparatus and
equipment storage
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System Accomplishments
Since the joining of career and volunteer agencies in 2020, the Frederick County Fire & Rescue
System has experienced significant growth that required cultural and structural innovations.
Emergency Medical Services
• Implemented in-house certification programs for Advanced Emergency Medical
Technician (AEMT) and Paramedic through an education partnership with Associates in
Emergency Care. These programs ease the burden for personnel completing ALS
certification and have been successful, increasing our number of ALS providers from 8
per shift to 12 and increasing the number of stations with a minimum-staffed medic from
7 to 8.
• Added the EMS Battalion Chief position to the Operations Division, coordinating the
delivery of Emergency Medical Services
• Created ALS 10, a roving surge medic chase vehicle staffed during our busiest times of
day, business hours Monday through Friday
• Implemented Critical Care Paramedic training, equipment, and protocols that allow our
paramedics to provide advanced intensive care bridging the gap between the incident
scene and the emergency room for critically ill or injured patients.
• Licensed all frontline apparatus as Basic Life Support non-transport units, each with an
assigned AED and medical aid bag
• Developed & implemented an in-house pharmacy program, with medication exchange
facilities at both Sunnyside Plaza and the Public Safety Building
• Implementation of PulsePoint citizen responder program in January 2026 to provide early
intervention in cardiac arrest incidents
Apparatus
• Established a County-owned reserve apparatus fleet with the purchase of reserve engines
and reserve ambulances, allowing for continued service delivery when frontline apparatus
are out of service for maintenance
• Implemented daily fire and rescue apparatus checks documented in the Vector Solutions
Check-It program, ensuring all fire & rescue department apparatus and equipment are in
good working condition and prepared to respond to emergencies
• Purchased County-owned frontline apparatus for Fire Station 22, including an engine,
tanker, and two ambulances
• Purchased a County-owned frontline tanker for Fire Station 21, filling an immediate need
in a response district with large areas without fire hydrants
• During scheduled replacement, converted 2 fire marshal pickup trucks into County-
owned brush trucks for Fire Station 21 and Fire Station 22.
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Special Operations
• Integrated trained & equipped career personnel into the existing volunteer swift water
rescue team at Stephens City Volunteer Fire & Rescue
• Trained all career personnel to Swift Water Awareness level and purchased appropriate
water rescue protective equipment for frontline apparatus
• Implemented the Rescue Task Force concept with training & protective equipment to
provide the most up-to-date response capabilities for violent or active shooter events
• Established a Wildland Fire Team with trained personnel, a UTV, trailer, and tow vehicle
• Became the sole provider of the regional hazardous materials response team
Emergency Management
• Created full-time Emergency Management Coordinator and Deputy Emergency
Management Coordinator roles, supporting emergency management planning,
preparation, and disaster response throughout the County
• Implemented AlertFredCoVA, an emergency public notification system, to provide
critical notifications to the public of active public safety events, severe weather threats,
and other emergency information using the Everbridge emergency alerting platform
Health & Safety
• Established the Health & Safety Battalion Chief position, tasked with promoting the
health of all personnel, career and volunteer, coordinating the care of injured or ill
personnel to ensure their return to full duty, and investigating workplace accidents
• Implemented enhanced diagnostic health screenings of career personnel for early
detection of major illnesses such as cancer and heart disease
• Installed diesel fuel exhaust direct-capture systems on all frontline fire apparatus to
reduce contamination of fire department facilities from exhaust fumes
• Established a behavioral health program utilizing Aspire365 contracting service to ensure
all personnel have access to behavioral and mental health support whenever needed
• Established a fitness program for new recruits utilizing contract facilities and instructors
in the absence of a fire & rescue department fitness facility
• Installed extractor washers in all fire stations to decontaminate personal protective gear
Support Services
• Upgrading the Frederick County public safety radio system with new radio towers,
mobile & portable radios, and radio frequency management system in conjunction with
other County agencies
• Issued a new portable radio to each career member and active operational volunteers
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• Installed new mobile radios in all frontline and reserve apparatus within the system
• Implemented Mobile Data Terminal program to provide direct CAD access in all
frontline fire and rescue apparatus
• Implemented FirstDue response software to provide dispatch notifications via
smartphone app including direct access to pre-plans and incident data
Operations
• Increased minimum staffing to 4 personnel at five stations and 3 personnel at two stations
• This 10-Year Plan describes the continuation of the staffing plan to ensure a minimum 4-
person staffing at all fire stations across the County with some stations increasing to a
minimum 6-person staffing based on call volume and incident concurrency
• Implemented pre-planning of facilities and hazards at special risk locations within each
station’s first due area
• Implemented an officer development training program to ensure all fire officers receive
up-to-date instruction in tactics, leadership, and administration frequently
Volunteers
• Implemented annual medical evaluations for all active operational volunteer personnel,
ensuring their health and safety in performing firefighting or emergency medical duties
• Implemented Frederick County budget items to fund the costs of insurance for volunteer
facilities, personnel, and apparatus, as well as fuel costs for frontline volunteer apparatus
• Upgraded volunteer firefighting protective equipment to include emergency escape
systems, allowing firefighters to safely escape burning buildings when no ladder or other
means of egress are available
• Implemented a master volunteer roster process to ensure full accountability of all
personnel in the Frederick County Fire & Rescue system at all times
• Fire & Rescue Explorer Post 154 evolved from a SAFER grant-funded camp to a year-
round program for teenagers to discover fire & emergency medical services
System Performance
Achieving the System Goals begins with evaluating current System Performance. The Fire &
Rescue System leverages a variety of data sources to obtain a clear picture of our performance in
providing fire and rescue services to Frederick County. The data is collected and analyzed for the
following categories:
• Incident Response Volume
o How many incidents do we respond to?
• Incident Concurrency
o How many incidents occur at the same time?
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• Response Times
o How long does it take us to arrive at each incident?
• Resource Deployment
o How well are we able to get the right people and equipment to the incident scene?
Incident Response “Call” Volume
An “incident” is a specific event and may call upon multiple units and stations due to the size
and complexity of the event. The table below illustrates the increasing number of incidents
within Frederick County.
Annual Incident Response Data 2014-2025
Calendar
Year
Total
Incidents
EMS
Incidents
BLS
Transports
ALS
Transports
Fire
Incidents
Incidents
per Day
2025 14.909 11,656 4,453 4,240 3,193 41
2024 13,882 10,986 4,231 3,672 2,902 37.7
2023 13,330 10,545 4,327 3,333 2,790 36.5
2022 13,357 10,345 4,225 3,037 3,027 36.5
2021 12,717 9,973 4,052 3,183 2,744 34.8
2020 10,833 8,385 3,491 2,736 2,448 29.6
2019 11,371 8,372 3,523 2,719 1,827 31.1
2018 11,236 8,488 3,394 2,961 1,600 30.7
2017 10,726 7,944 2,958 2,884 1,634 29.3
2016 10,250 8,133 2,762 3,189 1,379 28.1
2015 9,967 7,922 2,915 3,085 1,277 27.3
2014 9,487 7,437 * * 1,287 26.0
*Data is not available for these categories
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Incident Responses 2014 -2024
Total Incidents EMS Fire
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Company & Staffed Unit Incident Response Volume
Examining incidents by individual companies provides insight into the distribution of the
incident response workload across the 11 fire stations and 2 Advanced Life Support units in
Frederick County.
Annual Incident Responses by Company 2020-2025
Company/Unit 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Incidents
per Day3
ALS 11 --- --- 630 572 472 412 1.29
ALS 102 --- --- 155 241 294 311 1.10
FS11 Stephens City 2,709 3,136 3,234 3,257 3,471 3,654 9.50
FS12 Middletown 970 1,092 1,116 1,066 1,156 1,202 3.16
FS13 Clear Brook 1,505 1,792 1,902 1,836 1,897 2,136 5.19
FS14 Gore 407 519 559 514 510 486 1.39
FS15 Round Hill 1,736 2,118 2,304 2,138 2,232 2,427 6.11
FS16 Gainesboro 718 862 965 982 922 952 2.52
FS17 Star Tannery 245 262 289 272 280 266 0.77
FS18 Greenwood 2,475 3,015 3,247 3,204 3,158 3,477 8.65
FS19 North Mountain 507 607 666 664 657 723 1.80
FS20 Reynolds Store 370 468 514 518 472 580 1.29
FS21 Millwood Station 1,778 2,259 2,311 2,145 2,112 2,376 5.79
1. 3,477ALS 1 is stationed at Fire Station 16 Gainesboro and provides Advanced Life Support coverage for
the western portion of the County. It is staffed by the on-duty medic at Fire Station 16.
2. ALS 10 is assigned to the eastern portion of the County, providing a medic to support the frequent
concurrent calls in the area. It is staffed by part-time and overtime medics during business hours.
3. Based on 2024 Response Data
Incident Concurrency
The term incident concurrency refers to when additional calls for service occur while the
department is already responding to other incidents. As the number of concurrent incidents
increases, the resources available to respond to additional calls for service may be limited and
can result in extended response times to those incidents. Incident Concurrency is expressed as a
percentage of time.
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Incident Concurrency Countywide 2017-2024
Countywide (All Fire Stations)
Unit 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Change
Total
Incidents 10,276 11,236 11,371 10,830 12,716 13,355 13,333 13,882 +29.42%
Single
Incident 24.15% 22.43% 24.07% 25.82% 21.87% 21.83% 21.89% 20.36% -15.69%
Two
Incidents 31.91% 30.62% 31.31% 32.11% 29.93% 29.41% 29.45% 28.70% -10.06%
Three
Incidents 23.31% 23.85% 23.47% 22.88% 23.42% 23.83% 23.53% 24.09% +3.35%
Four
Incidents 12.66% 12.82% 12.63% 11.82% 13.92% 13.79% 13.50% 15.02% +18.64%
Five
Incidents 5.52% 6.37% 5.25% 4.92% 6.86% 6.84% 7.03% 7.03% +27.36%
More
Than
Five
Incidents
2.44% 3.91% 3.28% 2.45% 4.00% 4.30% 4.61% 4.79% +96.31%
Incident Concurrency data informs staffing decisions as the Department works to increase
minimum staffing across all fire stations. Fire Station 12 Middletown and Fire Station 16
Gainesboro each were assigned an additional minimum staff position on March 1, 2025. These
additional personnel were intended to address high call volumes and concurrent incidents within
their assigned response districts as well as neighboring response districts.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Countywide Incident Concurrency
1 Incident 2 Incidents 3 Incidents
4 Incidents 5 Incidents More Than 5 Incidents
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Response Time Performance
Response time is a continuum from the time that an emergency occurs until fire & rescue units
arrive on scene to take action.
Alarm Handling Time is a function of the Department of Public Safety Communications. The
Fire & Rescue Department meets regularly with both the Department of Public Safety
Communications and the Sheriff’s Office to ensure that alarm handling functions are coordinated
among all agencies. Department of Public Safety Communications personnel train frequently and
utilize a variety of computer programs to perform alarm handling as efficiently as possible.
Turnout Time begins when fire & rescue personnel are notified of an incident and ends when fire
& rescue units are enroute to an incident. During this time fire & rescue personnel prepare to
respond by donning protective equipment, securing the fire station and/or apparatus, and
determining the most efficient travel route to the incident scene. The Fire & Rescue Department
established a 2-minute Turnout Time goal for all incidents.
Response Time starts when fire & rescue units begin their travel to an incident scene and ends
when the units arrive at the scene. Response Time includes travel along a variety of roadways
from interstates to small gravel driveways, in a variety of environmental conditions including ice
or snow, and through traffic conditions including rush hour or backups from accidents or
construction. NFPA 1720 provides benchmark objectives for response time.
Emergency Occurs
An emergency
occurs and 911
is called
Alarm Handling Time
911 Dispatcher
answers &
processes the
call, then
dispatches the
appropriate fire
station(s)
Turnout Time
The fire station
is alerted to an
emergency
incident and
prepares to
respond
Response Time
Fire department
units leave the
fire station and
travels to the
incident scene
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NFPA 1720 Performance Standards by Demand Zone
Demand
Zone
Demographics Response
Time
Goal
(% of time)
Urban >1000 people/mi2 9 Minutes 90%
Suburban 500-1000 people/mi2 10 Minutes 80%
Rural <500 people/mi2 14 Minutes 80%
Remote Travel Distance >8 Miles Determined by FD 90%
Special Risks Determined by FD Determined by FD 90%
Due to the wide geographic diversity of the County, the Fire & Rescue Department has not
established specific response time performance standards for Remote areas or Special Risks.
Response Time performance is illustrated in the following charts, which display response time
performance in Urban, Suburban, and Rural Demand Zones.
0:00 2:24 4:48 7:12 9:36 12:00 14:24
Total
Fire
EMS
MVC
Alarm
Hazardous Condition
Service Call/Other
Cancelled/Good Intent
Urban Response Time Performance 2017-2024
Benchmark 2017-2021 2021-2024
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0:00 1:12 2:24 3:36 4:48 6:00 7:12 8:24 9:36 10:48 12:00
Total
Fire
EMS
MVC
Alarm
Hazardous Condition
Service Call/Other
Cancelled/Good Intent
Suburban Response Time Performance 2017-2024
Benchmark 2017-2021 2021-2024
0:00 2:24 4:48 7:12 9:36 12:00 14:24 16:48
Total
Fire
EMS
MVC
Alarm
Hazardous Condition
Service Call/Other
Cancelled/Good Intent
Rural Response Time Performance 2017--2024
Benchmark 2017-2021 2021-2024
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Response Time Considerations
Despite the best efforts of our fire & rescue personnel, some response times exceed established
performance goals. A review of population densities within Frederick County provides context
for the longer response times. As shown in the graphic below, some portions of Frederick County
have developed urban population densities despite their distance from our current fire station
locations.
Urban Response Times Exceeding 9 Minutes
Urban areas within Frederick County include high densities of both the population and
emergency incidents. While some areas are well-positioned in relation to fire stations, others are
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positioned at longer distances, leading to increased response times. As shown in the following
graphic, urban areas located further from a fire station sometimes experience longer than desired
response times. Areas such as Lake Frederick, Lake Holiday, Mountain Falls, and Stephenson
have developed into busy communities with urban populations and high incident densities. The
Fire & Rescue Department anticipates addressing these areas through a multi-faceted approach,
including upstaffing for incident concurrency, assessing the effect of new fire stations, and
considering potential relocations of existing fire stations. Fire Station 22, being constructed near
the intersection of Route 522 and Tasker Road, will address high incident densities and long
response times in the Armel, Canter Estates, and Lake Frederick areas.
Urban Response Times Exceeding 9 Minutes 2021-2024
Suburban Response Times Exceeding 10 Minutes
Many communities with urban densities in Frederick County have surrounding suburban
population densities. Other areas have grown beyond their traditional rural densities with new
neighborhoods or other developments. These areas also experience higher incident densities and
the resulting longer response times than those areas closer to fire stations. The Fire & Rescue
Department anticipates addressing these areas through a multi-faceted approach including
upstaffing for incident concurrency, assessing the effect of new fire stations, and considering
potential relocations of existing fire stations.
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Suburban Response Times Exceeding 10 Minutes 2021-2024
Rural Response Times Exceeding 14 Minutes
Development within rural portions of Frederick County poses a challenge for the Fire & Rescue
Department. While response times sometimes exceed performance goals, the overall number of
incidents remains low in rural areas with significant population growth, as found along Apple Pie
Ridge Road and Cedar Creek Grade. The Fire & Rescue Department anticipates addressing these
areas through a multi-faceted approach including upstaffing for incident concurrency, assessing
the effect of new fire stations, and considering potential relocations of existing fire stations.
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Rural Response Times Exceeding 14 Minutes 2021-2024
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Staffing
Staffing is provided by both career personnel and operational volunteer members. All Frederick
County fire stations are staffed with a minimum of 2 career personnel 24/7. Fire stations with
high call volumes are staffed with a minimum of 4 career personnel. Operational volunteer
members provide extra personnel on staffed units or respond with additional units.
Frederick County Staffing by Company
Company Current Staffing Planned Staffing Order of Priority
FS11 Stephens City 4 6 4
FS12 Middletown 3 4 2
FS13 Clear Brook 4 6 12
FS14 Gore 2 4 10
FS15 Round Hill 4 6 6
FS16 Gainesboro 3 4 1
FS17 Star Tannery 2 4 11
FS18 Greenwood 4 6 5
FS19 North Mountain 2 4 7
FS20 Reynolds Store 2 4 9
FS21 Millwood Station 4 6 8
FS22 Tasker Road Hiring In Progress 4 3
*Based on Funding and Available Staff
The Deployment Planning Process identified the need for a minimum of 4 personnel on duty in
all fire stations and 6 personnel on duty in fire stations with a high call volume. This ensures that
all fire stations have a minimum staffing level while busier stations have multiple crews
available to handle frequent concurrent incidents. A new fire station, Fire Station 22, will be
constructed near Tasker Road and Route 522 to address high call volumes and lengthy response
times from existing fire stations in the southeastern portion of the County. A second new fire
station, Fire Station 23, is needed in the northern I-81/Rt. 37 interchange area to address high call
volumes and lengthy responses in the northeastern portion of the County.
Budgetary requests for additional career personnel are intended to meet the minimum staffing
requirements established in the Deployment Planning Process. Recruitment and retention
strategies will be assessed and applied to meet the requirements, while also addressing routine
attrition. Recruit schools extend for 7 months as new hires are trained as firefighters and EMT’s.
Following recruit school graduation, personnel are assigned to a fire station for their
probationary training, which requires approximately 6 months. The total firefighter pipeline from
initial application to full qualification as an operational Firefighter/EMT encompasses
approximately 18 months.
The Fire & Rescue Department also utilizes a lateral hiring process, primarily to address routine
attrition. Lateral hires are experienced firefighters that can be immediately moved into fire
station roles without requiring attendance at a full recruit school. Lateral hires greatly reduce the
length and cost of the firefighter pipeline, but experienced firefighters are a source of fierce
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competition, leaving the County to compete with larger Northern Virginia departments for the
limited lateral hire pool.
Medics
In addition to the daily minimum staffed career personnel, the Department also maintains a daily
minimum number of Advanced Life Support Providers (also known as Medics) across the
County. The addition of a medic at Fire Station 19 in Spring 2025 brought the total minimum
medic staffing to 8 daily. The opening of Fire Station 22 will add one additional medic, bringing
the total to a minimum of 9 medics on duty.
The Department utilizes 2 ALS chase vehicles, ALS-1 and ALS-10. Assigned to Fire Station 16
Gainesboro, ALS-1 is staffed by the daily minimum staffing medic at the station and responds as
needed to provide medic support for Basic Life Support providers in the western portion of the
County. ALS-10 is a “peak-load” surge unit, staffed by a combination of part-time and overtime
personnel during the highest call volume periods of business hours Monday through Friday.
ALS-10 responds as needed to provide medic support for frequent concurrent emergency
medical incidents in the busy eastern portion of the County.
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Apparatus
Most of the fire & rescue apparatus in Frederick County are volunteer owned. Traditionally, each
volunteer company raised its own funds and purchased apparatus that met its needs as they were
able to afford to do so. This resulted in many different types and ages of apparatus throughout the
County, with many over 20 years of age and some over 30 years old.
The Fire & Rescue System has implemented a plan to collaboratively manage County and
volunteer-owned apparatus across the System. This includes developing minimum standards for
each type of apparatus and conducting a needs assessment to ensure a right-sized apparatus fleet.
A plan has been developed to guide the replacement of apparatus at appropriate common
intervals.
The replacement plan is based on the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) standard
1900 Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles, Automotive Fire Apparatus,
Wildland Fire Apparatus, and Automotive Ambulances and incorporates anticipated utilization
within the Frederick County system. To maximize firefighter capabilities and provide the latest
safety features, NFPA 1900 recommends moving any fire apparatus more than 15 years old into a
reserve status and the replacement of any fire apparatus over 25 years old. NFPA 1900 does not
address replacement intervals for ambulances and brush trucks, but both are incorporated into the
replacement plan based on industry best practices and anticipated Frederick County utilization.
Apparatus Replacement Intervals
Frederick County
Apparatus Types
NFPA 1900 Recommendations Frederick County
Replacement Plan
Aerial & Tower Ladders 15 Years 15 Years
Ambulances Not Addressed 10 Years
Attack Pumpers 15 Years 15 Years
Brush Trucks Not Addressed 20 Years
Engines 15 Years 15 Years
Rescue Engines 15 Years 15 Years
Special Service Units
• Rescue Squads, HazMats
15 Years 15 Years
Tankers 15 Years 15 Years
Apparatus Deployment Principles
The planning process to right-size the apparatus fleet developed deployment principles to ensure
that every fire station was equipped with the necessary apparatus to effectively serve the
community.
• At Every Fire Station
o Engine
o Ambulance
o Brush Truck
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• Stationed Strategically throughout the County
o Rescue Engines & Rescue Squads (specialized vehicles with vehicle extrication
and technical rescue equipment)
o Water Tankers
o Attack Engines (4x4 with pump & water)
o Aerial Ladders & Tower Ladders
o Ready Reserve Apparatus (engines and ambulances)
Recommended Apparatus Replacement Funding
Frederick County supports apparatus replacement for both County-owned and volunteer-owned
apparatus. Apparatus replacement requests are submitted to the System Chief for review. Upon
approval, apparatus replacement requests will be included in the Capital Improvement Plan
recommendations submitted to the County Administrator.
Apparatus replacement requests are reviewed and approved under the following criteria:
• Consistency with the System adopted 10-Year Plan
• The need for the type of apparatus requested to support operational service delivery and
response time standards in conjunction with the Company’s existing apparatus inventory
and other resources within the System
• The volunteer company’s funding plan and budgeted cost estimate and the company’s
ability to pay for the apparatus, to include down payments, cash payments, and on-going
debt service or loan payments.
• Consistency with the System’s minimum standards for the type of apparatus
Apparatus Funding Type & Eligibility
Apparatus Type County Funding Company Funding Ownership
First-Out Ambulance1 0% 100% Company
First-Out Engine 60% 40% Company
Tanker 100% 0% County
Special Service2, 3 60% 40% Company
Brush Truck/Attack 60% 40% Company
Serv/Chief/Command 0% 100% Company
Reserve Apparatus 100% 0% County
1. Volunteer companies receive revenue recovery funds and are eligible for State Rescue Squad Assistance
grants to provide funding for the purchase of ambulances.
2. Special Service Apparatus includes Aerial Ladders, Tower Ladders, Rescue Engines, Rescue Squads, and
Hazardous Materials Units and may be funded at 100% County funding, with the County then holding
ownership and responsibility for maintenance and repairs.
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Recommended Apparatus Replacement Schedule
Fiscal
Year
Apparatus Vehicle Year Full Cost Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
27 Engine 21 2007 1,200,000 480,000 720,000
Tanker 16 1989 675,000 0 675,000
Tanker 19 1995 675,000 0 675,000
Tanker 14 1997 675,000 0 675,000
Ambulance 19-1 2008 475,000 0 475,000
Ambulance 16-2 2008 475,000 0 475,000
Rescue Squad 21 1999 1,500,000 0 1,500,000
Attack 19 1986 750,000 300,000 450,000
Fiscal Year Total Costs 6,425,000 780,000 5,645,000
Fiscal
Year
Apparatus Vehicle Year Full Cost Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
28 Rescue Engine 20 2003 1,500,000 600,000 900,000
Engine 15 2008 1,290,000 516,000 774,000
Attack 16 1979 810,000 324,000 486,000
Attack 14 1999 810,000 324,000 486,000
Ambulance 20-2 2010 510,625 0 510,625
Ambulance 21-2 2016 510,625 510,625 0
Tanker 12 2013 725,625 0 725,625
Tanker 13 2007 725,625 0 725,625
Brush 11 1985 225,000 90,000 135,000
Fiscal Year Total Costs 7,107,500 2,364,625 4,742,875
Fiscal
Year
Apparatus Vehicle Year Full Cost Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
29 Tanker 20 2010 776,250 0 776,250
Brush 16 1970 245,000 98,000 147,000
Ambulance 18-2 2018 548,922 548,922 0
Brush 20 1992 245,000 98,000 147,000
Tower 16 1982 2,700,000 1,080,000 1,620,000
Brush 19 1985 245,000 98,000 147,000
Ambulance 16-1 2016 548,922 548,922 0
Ambulance 17-1 2017 548,922 548,922 0
Fiscal Year Total Costs 5,858,016 3,020,766 2,837,250
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Fiscal
Year
Apparatus Vehicle Year Full Cost Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
30 Ambulance 14-1 2019 590,091 590,091 0
Ambulance 15-1 2019 590,091 590,091 0
Ambulance 20-1 2017 590,091 590,091 0
Tanker 17 2015 834,469 0 834,469
Ambulance 11-2 2019 590,091 590,091 0
Ambulance 10-1 2019 590,091 0 590,091
Fiscal Year Total Costs 3,784,924 2,360,364 1,424,560
Fiscal
Year
Apparatus Vehicle Year Full Cost Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
31 Ambulance 12-1 2021 634,348 0 634,348
Attack 12 2006 992,250 396,900 595,350
Brush 13 2003 281,750 112,700 169,050
Brush 14 2006 281,750 112,700 169,050
Brush 18 1986 281,750 112,700 169,050
Fiscal Year Total Costs 2,471,848 735,000 1,736,848
Fiscal
Year
Apparatus Vehicle Year Full Cost Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
32 Ambulance 18-3 2022 665,700 665,700 0
Ambulance 13-1 2022 665,700 665,700 0
Attack 17 1,041,862 416,745 625,117
Engine 11 2017 1,631,850 652,740 979,110
Fiscal Year Total Costs 4,005,112 2,400,885 1,604,227
Fiscal
Year
Apparatus Vehicle Year Full Cost Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
33 Quint 18 2018 2,800,000 1,120,000 1,680,000
Fiscal Year Total Costs 2,800,000 1,120,000 1,680,000
Fiscal
Year
Apparatus Vehicle Year Full Cost Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
34 Ambulance 11-1 2025 731,500 731,500 0
Ambulance 22-1 2024 731,500 0 731,500
Ambulance 22-2 2024 731,500 0 731,500
2,194,500 731,500 1,463,000
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Fiscal
Year
Apparatus Vehicle Year Full Cost Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
35 Brush 15 2015 310,000 124,000 186,000
Ambulance 12-2 2025 767,500 767,500 0
Ambulance 21-1 2025 767,500 767,500 0
Fiscal Year Total Costs 1,845,000 1,659,000 186,000
Full
Cost
Volunteer
Funding
County
Funding
10-Year Year Total Costs 36,491,900 15,172,140 21,319,760
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Facilities
Traditionally, all Frederick County fire stations were owned and maintained by volunteer fire &
rescue companies. Two fire stations (Fire Station 15 Round Hill and Fire Station 21 Millwood
Station) are now County-owned but jointly operated with their respective volunteer fire & rescue
companies. Fire Station 22 and proposed Fire Station 23 will be County-owned and operated.
As with apparatus, the volunteer companies purchased, maintained, and added to their facilities
as needs arose and funds became available. None of the volunteer-owned facilities were designed
to house living quarters and at least one facility was not constructed to be a fire station at all.
Each of the existing fire stations has required extensive additions and renovations to
accommodate 24/7 career firefighter staffing. This process resulted in a wide variety of building
ages, sizes, and capacities.
To better understand the state of the facilities within the System, ZMM Architects & Engineers
was engaged to conduct an engineering review of each fire station and provide a detailed report,
including recommendations for continued operation. In addition, ZMM Architects & Engineers
was provided with early concepts of the 10-year plan for staffing and apparatus to be utilized
during the assessment process. The facility assessments were conducted in Fall 2023 with a draft
report received in early 2024. Each volunteer fire & rescue reviewed their respective report and
provided feedback, with finalized reports completed in August 2024.
The facility assessments revealed that some rehabilitation and renovation was necessary at each
fire station to ensure its continued effective operation. Seven of the eleven existing fire stations
were found to have inadequate capacity to house the staffing or apparatus within the 10-year
plan. Two of these fire stations, Fire Station 16 Gainesboro and Fire Station 17 Star Tannery, are
also in poor physical condition. As a result, the engineering assessment recommended
construction of replacement stations.
Most of the other fire stations will require the construction of living quarters as well as
renovation of outdated facilities. Each fire station requires standard maintenance and repair of
deficiencies. ZMM Architects & Engineers produced reports of the work to be done at each fire
station, both new construction and existing maintenance and repairs. Each fire station’s facility
needs were reviewed and prioritized based on the fire station’s condition and it’s anticipated
staffing and apparatus within the 10-year plan. Estimated costs are displayed in the tables below;
however, detailed plans and an engineering cost analysis will be required for individual projects.
Recommended Facility Construction and Renovation Projects
Fiscal Year 2027
Facility Project Cost
FS12 Middletown Replace Original Building with New Addition, Replace Roof,
Renovate Kitchen 2,078,977
FS22 Tasker Road Year 1 of New Fire Station Construction 3,750,000
FS23 Land Purchase Location TBD near Northern Interchange of Rt. 37 & I-81 1,750,000
Total Facility Costs 7,578,977
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Fiscal Year 2028
Facility Project Cost
FS11 Stephens City Construct Living Quarters Addition, Roof & Window
Replacement, Exterior Waterproofing 1,595,292
FS17 Star Tannery Land Acquisition, New Fire Station Design & Engineering 1,500,000
FS22 Tasker Road Year 2 of New Fire Station Construction 3,750,000
Total Facility Costs 6,845,292
Fiscal Year 2029
Facility Project Cost
FS16 Gainesboro Land Acquisition, New Fire Station Design & Engineering 1,750,000
FS19 North Mountain Construct Living Quarters Addition, Construct Apparatus Bay
Addition 2,304,328
Total Facility Costs 4,054,328
Fiscal Year 2030
Facility Project Cost
FS14 Gore Construct Living Quarters Addition, Parking Lot Repairs 1,226,209
FS16 Gainesboro Year 1 New Fire Station Construction 3,994,082
Total Facility Costs 5,220,291
Fiscal Year 2031
Facility Project Cost
FS16 Gainesboro Year 2 New Fire Station Construction 3,994,082
FS20 Reynolds Store Construct Living Quarters Addition, Roof Replacement 1,540,496
Total Facility Costs 5,534,578
Fiscal Year 2032
Facility Project Cost
FS15 Round Hill Building & Grounds Rehabilitation 89,137
FS16 Gainesboro Year 3 (Final Year) New Fire Station Construction 3,994,082
Total Facility Costs 4,083,219
Fiscal Year 2033
Facility Project Cost
FS12 Middletown Parking Lot Replacement, Grounds Rehabilitation 204,498
FS17 Star Tannery Year 1 New Fire Station Construction 2,800,000
FS18 Greenwood Building & Grounds Rehabilitation 921,242
FS19 North Mountain Parking Lot Repair, Building & Grounds Rehabilitation 224.692
Total Facility Costs 4,150,432
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Fiscal Year 2034
Facility Project Cost
FS11 Stephens City Parking Lot Repair, Building & Grounds Rehabilitation 181,675
FS17 Star Tannery Year 2 New Fire Station Construction 2,800,000
FS21 Millwood Station Parking Lot Repair, Building & Grounds Rehabilitation 435,426
Total Facility Costs 3,417,101
Fiscal Year 2035
Facility Project Cost
FS13 Clear Brook Parking Lot Repair, Building & Grounds Rehabilitation 400,667
FS17 Star Tannery Year 3 (Final Year) New Fire Station Construction 2,800,000
Total Facility Costs 3,200,667
Fiscal Year 2036
Facility Project Cost
FS20 Reynolds Store Parking Lot Repair, Building & Grounds Rehabilitation 230,445
FS23 I-81/Rt 37 North Year 1 New Fire Station Construction 3,200,000
Total Facility Costs 3,430,445
10-Year Year Total Costs 47,515,330
Fire Station 22
Frederick County has acquired a suitable site and begun the process of constructing a new fire
station in the southeastern portion of the County. This area of the County was prioritized due to
the high call volume and frequency of concurrent incidents within FS11 Stephens City’s response
district. Designated Fire Station 22, the new fire station site is near Tasker Road and Route 522.
Fire Station 22 is tentatively projected to open in Fall 2027.
Site Selection
The Frederick County Fire & Rescue System identified several goals in selecting a site for the
new station, including:
• Reduce the number of concurrent incidents primarily in FS11 Stephens City’s response
district and secondarily in FS21 Millwood Station’s response district
• Reduce the travel distance and response time to as many incidents as possible
• Reduce the travel distance and response to as wide an area as possible
The site selection process began with an analysis of incident locations within FS11 Stephens
City’s response district. Incident response data revealed a large concentration of incidents
occurred in the communities surrounding Tasker Road and Warrior Drive. Another high
concentration of incidents occurred in the communities surrounding Fairfax Pike and Route 522.
The map shown below shows the distribution of emergency incidents within FS11 Stephens
City’s response district.
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Fire Station 11 Stephens City First Due Incident Distribution 2023
Each red circle indicates the location of one incident
The analysis revealed that the most effective location to meet the goals was near the intersection
of Tasker Road and Route 522. The following maps indicate the effective coverage area of the
fire station to meet the urban response time goals.
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Urban Response Time Goal from the Existing Fire Station 11
Urban Response Time Goal Including the New Fire Station 22
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Station Design
Fire Station 22 will have an approximate footprint of 15,000 square feet, including 3 drive-
through apparatus bays. The fire station will initially house a minimum of 4 career staff (24/7 –
365) on each of 3 shifts. The living quarters will be able to accommodate up to 12 staff members
to ensure adequate facilities for trainees or additional personnel as needed. The station will
incorporate administrative offices, a classroom, indoor & outdoor training areas, a kitchen and
dining area, individual bunk rooms, individual toilet/shower rooms, public restrooms, a physical
fitness area, and equipment & supply storage.
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10-Year Plan Implementation
The 10-Year Plan will be implemented through the combined actions of the Frederick County
Board of Supervisors and the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Association including its Steering
Committee and Chief’s Workgroup. Career and volunteer personnel working together will guide
the implementation of the plan, navigating challenges, and steering the course forward. Support
from the Frederick County Board of Supervisors is critical, with the funding of the 10-Year Plan
underpinning the entire process. While the plan looks specifically at the next 10 years, the
processes and principles it enacts will set the direction of fire & rescue services in Frederick
County for the next 20 to 50 years.
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Finance Committee
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: September 16, 2026
Agenda Section: Information Only Items
Title: The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the County the
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2027 fiscal year.
This is the 40th consecutive year that Frederick County has received this award.
Attachments:
GFOA Budget Award 2027.pdf
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/26/2026 For more information, contact:
Technical Services Center
Phone: (312) 977-9700
Email: budgetaward@gfoa.org
(Chicago, Illinois)—Government Finance Officers Association is pleased to announce that County of
Frederick, Virginia received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.
The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing
body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget
award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These
guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:
▪a policy document
▪a financial plan
▪an operations guide
▪a communications device
Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria
within those categories, to receive the award.
There are over 1,900 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients,
along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award
recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for
other governments throughout North America.
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best
practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 25,000 members and the
communities they serve.
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