Town Manager Josh Smith said Commissioners John Lawson and Robin Testerman met with the Central Surry Fire Department Board in January to discuss whether or not the option of merging fire services over to Central Surry is "even feasible." Smith and the town's mayor, Ricky Draughn, who is also the town's fire chief, have been at odds over the matter. Draughn contends that the commissioners meeting with Central Surry VFD "smells like a rat" and "they have been sneaking around." Smith said it is premature to even discuss the matter because it is still in its infant stages. Draughn, who has been the fire chief in Dobson for 22 years and in the department for 42 years, said he doesn't see any savings in having Central Surry VFD take over the town's fire department responsibilities.

Sparks Fly Over Attempt to Save Money at N.C. Dept. | Firehouse

Ricky K. Draughn has served as Dobson's fire chief.

Dobson

In the county seat, there are no contested races.

Long-time incumbent Ricky K. Draughn is running unopposed, after having served for more than 20 years.

Fall municipal races are now set

# Mayor Draughn

## Ricky K. Draughn
### Mayor

Mayor Draughn | Dobson, NC

Ricky currently serves as mayor of Dobson and has held the office for more than 20 years.

Candidate field taking shape, Elkin board race will be contested

2026 North Carolina General Election

As of September 2, 2026, Ricky K. Draughn did not have a website or any information online.

Economy

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Town Manager Josh Smith said Commissioners John Lawson and Robin Testerman met with the Central Surry Fire Department Board in January to discuss whether or not the option of merging fire services over to Central Surry is "even feasible." Smith and the town's mayor, Ricky Draughn, who is also the town's fire chief, have been at odds over the matter. Draughn contends that the commissioners meeting with Central Surry VFD "smells like a rat" and "they have been sneaking around." Smith said it is premature to even discuss the matter because it is still in its infant stages. Draughn, who has been the fire chief in Dobson for 22 years and in the department for 42 years, said he doesn't see any savings in having Central Surry VFD take over the town's fire department responsibilities. He said the town's homeowner's would "definitely" see an increase in their fire insurance rates if Central Surry takes over.

Opposes transferring Dobson fire department responsibilities to Central Surry Volunteer Fire Department, saying it would not save money and would raise homeowners' fire insurance rates.

- Opposes transferring Dobson fire department responsibilities to Central Surry Volunteer Fire Department, saying it would not save money and would raise homeowners' fire insurance rates.

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Education

Ricky K. Draughn

As of September 2, 2026, Ricky K. Draughn’s website did not contain information on this issue.

In Dobson, incumbent Ricky K. Draughn has filed to run again for the Dobson mayoral post and incumbent Walter White filed to retain his Dobson Board of Commissioner seat. One other board seat, held by Brian Beasley, is open.

Candidate field taking shape; Elkin board race will be contested

Ricky K. Draughn currently serves as mayor of Dobson and has served for more than 20 years.

Mauricio Mendez

Walter Ley

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor attends and runs City Council meetings, serving as an important leader for how local laws get set. These laws affect local services, such as Police, City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation.  
- The Mayor in some circumstances may vote to break a tie in council meetings. They do not have veto power.