Elkmont will get a new fire department and quicker response time from firefighters now that Limestone County voters have approved a monthly fire fee for the 13 county volunteer fire departments.

“We applied for a $33,000 public service grant to be used toward a new fire department that we would have lost if voters had not approved this,” said Elkmont Fire Chief Jeff McMunn.

Voters narrowly approved a $2.50 monthly fee on homes and a $5 monthly fee on businesses during Tuesday night’s primary election.

According to the final, but unofficial, tally, 3,104 voted for the fee (51.4 percent) and 2,936 voted against (48.6 percent).

The following people will not pay the fee:

• Anyone over age 65 with a net taxable income of less than $7,500.

• Athens residents, because they are already served by the city’s fire department.

Firefighters asked voters to approve the fee so they could buy fire gear, vehicles and maintain equipment needed to protect county residents. Although volunteer fire departments receive a share of the county’s tobacco tax, fewer smokers in recent years cut in half their share. To augment the tax, volunteer departments have routinely held fundraisers. However, firefighters say neither the tax nor proceeds from fundraisers cover operating costs and the rising cost of fuel and equipment.

Volunteer fire departments do more than fight fires. They respond to traffic accidents, medical emergencies such as heart attacks, clear storm damage, and attend ballgames and other public events in case accidents occur.