This bill amends sections of the Code of West Virginia to clarify the administrative control of fire departments within counties. It establishes that if a county does not have a fire board, the county commission will assume responsibility for the administration of fire departments that are not already under the control of a municipal corporation. Specifically, the bill inserts language into section 7-1-3 stating that the county commission will manage fire departments in the absence of a fire board, and it adds a similar provision in section 7-1-3d. Additionally, the bill outlines the powers of county fire boards, including the ability to create bylaws, appoint personnel, and manage funds, while also ensuring that these powers extend to county commissions when fire boards are not present.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that county commissions cannot adopt regulations that are stricter than state laws regarding agricultural operations or the use of pesticides. It also includes provisions for financial aid to fire protection facilities and allows fire departments to charge reasonable fees for services rendered. The overall aim of the bill is to streamline the governance of fire services in West Virginia, ensuring that fire departments are effectively managed at the county level, whether by a fire board or the county commission.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-1-3, 7-1-3d, 7-17-10