MT. AIRY, N.C. -- Surry County's Board of Commissioners says it's aware of the needs of the county's fire departments.

• More funding for paid staff and new equipment.
• County hesitant to raise taxes in fear it could strain community members.
• County manager will release proposed budget in June.

Several volunteer departments attended this week's budget hearing to make their case for more funding in order to hire paid staff and buy new equipment.

The board chairman, Eddie Harris, says the county hesitates to raise taxes because it could strain community members.

"We have a lot of folks who have to choose between paying their taxes, paying their heating bill and buying their medicine,” Harris said. “So, the commissioners will look at those concerns and we will evaluate them. We are going to evaluate all of the departments."

The board will meet with more departments next week. The county manager will release his proposed budget in June.