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ESD1 Chief Clint Cooke addresses the ESD2 board Thursday during the ESD2 special meeting to discuss contract negotiations. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
Negotiates with new group to provide fire dept. services in Devine
By Anton Riecher
Taking unanimous action, the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 board of commissioners voted Thursday to enter into contract negotiations with Castroville-based ESD No. 1 to take charge of managing local fire protection.
Board member Jerry Stevens said the vote was in keeping with his call for a “hard reset” in emergency response leadership.
“Something had to change,” Stevens said. “We had to look at doing things differently.”
On a motion by Abigail Beadle, seconded by Stevens, the board voted to negotiate a contract with ESD1 for no more than $900,000 annually. By choosing the ESD1 proposal, the board rejected a competing proposal by the volunteer fire department membership board to extend its current management contract.
ESD1 Chief Clint Cooke said he expects to have the final details for the contract in place within a week. ESD2 board president Todd Summers said a final contract would be presented at the regular monthly meeting Sept. 16.
ESD2 board member Ken Nighswander told the audience gathered for the meeting that choosing the ESD1 proposal was not only good for the community but for the firefighters.
“We feel we can bring this to a competitive level,” he said. “I think it’s going to help everyone.”
The vote also…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
