Banks County renews fire protection contract with Baldwin at higher cost

HOMER — The Banks County Commission will continue to contract with Baldwin Fire Department to provide fire and rescue services for the north end of the county.

During its meeting Tuesday night, the Banks County Commission unanimously approved entering the contract with Baldwin for another year.

“Unfortunately, due to our present economy and the rising operating costs, i.e., fuel and maintenance, we have had to increase our contract price,” a cover letter from Baldwin Fire Chief Joe Roy states. “The rate on the previous contract was $67.39 per structure; we felt a fair increase would be a 1-percent per year for each year that there was no increase.”

Baldwin increased the cost for the upcoming contract by 10 percent to account for the years of no increase, bringing the price per structure from $67.39 to $74.12.

Banks County and Baldwin agree that as of July 1, there are 336 structures covered in the contract, meaning Banks County will pay $24,904.32 for the period July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

In making the motion to approve the contract, Banks County Commissioner Charles Turk said the increased cost is still a bargain for the value received by Banks County and its residents.

Baldwin Fire Department will continue to provide fire protection for 336 structures and respond to other emergencies in a designated area of northern Banks County for another year after a contract approved by the Banks County Commission Tuesday night.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/8/568706/banks-county-renews-fire-protection-contract-with-baldwin-at-higher-cost