A resolution approving an interlocal agreement between Lakeland and Shelby County for fire services was approved yesterday (4.16.18), paving the way for Lakeland to have its own fire department.
David Reaves, Shelby County Commissioner, confirmed the resolution passage, saying it passed unanimously on consent.
The specific language of the resolution:
A resolution to approve an Interlocal Agreement between Shelby County Government and the City of Lakeland to render aid to the other as needed for firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, or related technical support services and authorizing the Shelby County Mayor to execute said contract. There is no cost for this Interlocal Agreement.
Mayor Wyatt Bunker acknowledged the approval and said, “Yesterday was another exciting day for Lakeland. Thank you to the County Commissioners for completing the approval process of our interlocal fire agreement. The announcement of our Fire Chief is coming soon. Let me just say that everyone will be thrilled with our choice.”
Vice Mayor Josh Roman added, “This was the last external hurdle to jump in a long journey to eventually phasing out our fire fee. I’m appreciative that the County Commissioners see the benefits of working together to best serve this area.”
Transitioning from County to City fire services has been a topic of conversation with Lakeland commissioners to lower and then eliminate the fire fee currently on MLGW bills, with no tax increase. The Mayor said he expects the Commission to pass a plan to gradually eliminate the fee over three to five years.
In addition, he said, “We will need input from the Chief and our treasurer to determine the time frame.”
The start date for Lakeland to begin operation of the municipal fire department could be July 1, 2019.
In a Feb. 1 BOC (Board of Commissioners) meeting, City Attorney Chris Patterson discussed coverage areas and said they will effectively be the same as with service now. Some areas will receive service from Lakeland first, then Shelby County, he said. And in some cases it will be the reverse.
A topic for meeting number two in a series of five sessions for the Lakeland 2020 Strategic Plan. The fire discussion was in October 2017. Currently Lakeland residents pay a fee on their MLGW bills for fire coverage through the Shelby County Fire Department.
At the Feb. 8 BOC meeting, Jim Atkinson, city manager, estimated the cost on fire services, including some increased funding for salaries, to be just shy of $1.4 million.
Mayor Bunker has said the current fire fee is $2.2 million to Shelby County Fire Department.
… Lakeland Currents file photos
