But on April 24, the night that five uniformed officials sat in the front row of the meeting room, the mood was much more somber.

Chairman Brooks knew before the meeting started that he didn't have the votes for a 4-cent increase.

Quesenberry had told him that LoBuglio no longer supported the hike. In fact, LoBuglio said that he couldn't support any increase at all.

Brooks said it wasn't worth wasting the time of the fire and rescue people, for them to make a presentation if there weren't votes to support hiring more personnel.

LoBuglio's change in position--brought about, he said, after he talked with a lot of his constituents--led to indignation from Brooks and Brabo.

LoBuglio defended himself at one point, telling Brabo he didn't have to explain himself to her.

But there was none of that contention Tuesday night. Sisson made the same motion he'd made more than four weeks earlier. He proposed a 3-cent increase, and the measure passed, 3-2.

Grzeika reiterated that he had opposed a tax increase from the start, and that he couldn't support the budget or tax rate.

LoBuglio said the same.

As for the fire and rescue positions, Grzeika said last week that he favored waiting to form a plan until he heard a strategic report from the fire department.

Officials have said that will be presented after budget season has passed.

LoBuglio said he and other residents he has talked with want to see proof that the county is trying to recruit more volunteers instead of simply hiring more workers.

Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com