A new state law passed in the last legislative session could change how rural fire dues are collected for volunteer fire departments across Arkansas. House Bill 1416, sponsored by Rep. L. Johnson and Sen. K. Hammer, was signed into law as Act 673, giving volunteer fire departments that serve unincorporated areas of the county the authority to levy dues through property tax bills.
For the past several months, Mansfield Fire Chief Michael Smith has reported on the issue, noting that the city is losing significant funds due to the majority of rural residents not paying their annual fire dues. Mayor Buddy Black estimated the loss at around $50,000 each year.
According to data provided by Shannon R. Scott, GISP, CFM with the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District (WAPDD), the Mansfield Fire District includes 371 residential structures in rural areas, not including the Juvenile Camp. Based on 2019–2023 U.S. Census data, which shows an average household size of 2.44 people, that would equal an estimated rural population of about 905 residents in the Mansfield Fire District, outside the city limits.
However, the amount of dues collected could vary, as property taxes are typically collected on a per-property basis, not per person or household composition.
Sebastian County Emergency Management Director Travis Cooper explained that the process for implementing the change requires a majority of rural district residents to agree. Once a majority of signatures is collected, they must be verified by the county clerk before being presented to the quorum court for approval.
If approved, annual fire dues would then be added to rural residents’ personal property tax bills. Cooper emphasized that any funds collected through this process should be designated strictly for the fire department.
Act 673 also provides that volunteer firefighters living within the rural district may be exempt from paying dues, though it is not yet clear if Mansfield will apply that exemption.
This year, Mansfield increased its annual fire dues from $40 to $50.
If Mansfield gathers enough valid signatures and receives quorum court approval, the change will establish a new method of funding for rural fire protection.
