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By Drew Lawson
The Times 

Fire committee discusses future plans for fire services

 

Last updated 5/20/2021 at 1:43pm



DAVENPORT—What the city’s partnership with Lincoln County Fire District No. 5 will look like in the future was a point of discussion at the police/fire committee meeting that took place before city council’s regular meeting May 12.

Fire District No. 5 Commissioner Mike Piper and Chief Craig Sweet attended the meeting with committee members Heath Becker, Cory Hollis and Patrick Katz and mayor Brad Sweet. City administrator Steve Goemmel and clerk Dave Leath were also part of the discussion.

Three options for city fire services were discussed. The first was the present agreement, where the city fire department and the district share firefighters, while some equipment is owned by the city and some by the county. Charges are given to the city for costs incurred by city equipment or services given within city limits, while the district covers the costs incurred in the county. Costs are split if city-owned equipment is used on county land, such as in the case of a wildfire.


Piper and Sweet favored this agreement for the time being, but more options were discussed.

The second option would be a negotiated contract, the price of which isn’t set in stone. Piper claimed the cost would have to be based on the current valuation of the city. This cost, which he said he calculated by multiplying the current valuation by 0.0065%, would be around $67,000. Currently, the city has a fire budget around $38,000. This option is like the agreement the town of Reardan has with Fire District No. 4.

The third option would have the city annexed into the fire district. All employees and volunteers would be working exclusively for the district. Equipment likely wouldn’t change locations, but ownership would need to be negotiated. The taxpayer impact would likely be raised, but annexation would likely allow the district to build a new fire station in the city. Specific taxpayer rates haven’t been discussed yet.


No decision was reached, as both parties agreed more future discussions are needed. Any decision to annex would also be subject to a public vote and two public hearings. The district would have to get the annexation onto the voter’s ballot through the county. The next step in discussions will be another committee meeting June 9 at 6:15 at city call in the council chambers.

Author Bio

Drew Lawson, Editor

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Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.

 

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