VIDEO: Benton County Fire District 4 has approved its 2026 budget despite facing significant increases in operating costs and growing call volumes. The district is grappling with rising expenses for essentials such as fuel, new equipment, and updated requirements, including a 200% increase in the cost of new fire aparatus.
Public Information Officer Ben Shearer said, “Being responsible, the commissioners are looking at how do you continue to maintain the level of support that we’re maintaining. How do we continue to maintain these extra programs that we’re doing out in the community and taking care of all their extra needs.”
