Nope. They are not all volunteers - although some are through their choice.
The larger issue is that there was no issue until 2005 when Obion County decided to create one. The then Fire Chief Edmison:
“Edmison said Obion County has entered into a letter of intent with all eight fire district municipalities, so all eight departments will soon respond to county residents through subscription service only.”
Thus creating a monopoly. The Department had never run into the red before operating on the cost supported by the South Fulton area before:
7% State Sales Tax
2.75% County Sales Tax
No State Income Tax
$30 City Wheel Tax
$40 County Wheel Tax
$24 State Car License
$1.7/$100@25% City Real & Personal Property Tax
$2.2/$100@25% County Real & Personal Property Tax
When issues such as this arise, it is always important to find out the background.
The background is that this community doesn’t have their own fire department.