The Roane County Commission held its regular session last night, with the agenda primarily focused on several budget amendments across departments. A notable discussion arose during committee reports when Commissioner Ron Berry highlighted concerns from the recent emergency services committee meeting: multiple volunteer fire departments are experiencing declining membership, leading to rising ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC) ratings—some jumping from 0 to 10 or above 5—with the West Roane County Fire Department reportedly receiving a rating of 10.

ISO PPC ratings range from 1 (superior fire suppression) to 10 (failing to meet minimum criteria), and a higher number like 10 can result in increased homeowners insurance premiums for properties in affected areas outside city limits, such as those served by West Roane County, due to perceived reduced firefighting capability from inadequate volunteer responders. Berry urged commissioners to monitor this trend, noting uncertainty about future recruitment for volunteer fire agencies amid broader declines in participation.

A follow-up clarification came from Chief Chad Goodman of the West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department regarding the reported ISO rating of 10. An October 15, 2025, letter from Insurance Services Office (ISO) to County Executive Wade Creswell confirmed a retrogression from the prior classification of 05/5Y (indicating a split rating where some areas qualify for better protection) to 10, based on their recent survey of the department’s structural fire suppression system.

However, ISO is not implementing the change immediately; they are offering the department participation in a Retrogression Program, allowing time to develop improvements to retain the previous 5/5Y rating, provided the department acknowledges the letter within 30 days. Chief Goodman emphasized that the situation is not as dire as initially presented, though the department urgently needs more recruits to maintain and strengthen its capabilities moving forward.