Autumn Raulerson
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
At September’s monthly meeting of the Madison City Commission (held on Sept. 8, at City Hall, at 5:30 p.m.), the board voted unanimously to cease funding for the City of Madison’s Fire Department (MFD), making Madison County Fire Rescue (MCFR) the sole provider for all emergency service incidents in the county.
The determination was “the best financial interest for the City,” according to a press release made by MFD about the decision.
This decision has been under consideration for over a year. As of Sunday, Nov. 1, MCFR will be the only responding fire department for emergency incidences that occur within Madison County. MFD wants the community to know that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve their community for over 100 years, and they are truly sad that they will no longer be providing services to the county.
This decision comes in under financial challenges for funding the MFD. According to their press release, MCFR already responds to the vast majority of incidents, even before this decision was made. Meaning it won’t affect you in any way — when you call 911, someone will still respond as soon as possible. The only change is that the fire station behind City Hall off of Horry Ave. will no longer be manned as of Sunday, Nov. 1.