The Sumner County Board of Commissioners approved formation of a volunteer fire department ad hoc committee to study long-term funding and organizational options for the county’s fire services.

Chairman Becker proposed a committee made up of two commissioners, two fire chiefs and three citizens and named several suggested members representing the county’s north and south ends and multiple municipalities. After a motion and a second, commissioners carried the measure by voice vote.

The proposal followed public comment urging the county to develop a permanent funding structure for fire departments. Curtis Lee, of 1027 Jackson Heights, said the ad hoc group should include at least one city fire chief so cities could coordinate on any fire tax proposals that would apply inside city limits as well as countywide. "When fire tax happens, the city is actually get the option to add their own fire tax inside of their city limits," Lee said, urging that city perspectives be represented on the committee.

A separate public speaker who identified himself as a retired firefighter said he wished to serve on the committee and described volunteer firefighting as a major part of his life.

Chairman Becker outlined suggested committee membership during the meeting and indicated he would send a roster and scheduling options to the selected members. The transcript records the chair listing names and geographic considerations for membership but does not show a formal roll-call vote or a recorded numerical tally.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to approve the meeting agenda: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to approve minutes: approved by voice vote (mover and seconder announced in the record).
- Motion to establish volunteer fire department ad hoc committee with the proposed membership: approved by voice vote.

The committee is charged with returning options to the commissioners on possible funding models and organizational structures, including whether to pursue countywide or district-specific taxation. No timeline or reporting deadlines were specified in the meeting record.

The board moved on to other business after confirming the committee membership and scheduling, and the meeting adjourned later in the session.