By Michelle Wagner
The Virginian-Pilot(Norfolk, VA.)
SOUTHERN SHORES, Va. — The Southern Shores Town Council unanimously approved a 10-year contract with the Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday, ending nearly a month of negotiations.
The fire department’s Board of Trustees approved the contract on Monday.
The long-term contract will bring stability to the relationship, Town Manager Charlie Read said on Wednesday. In the past, the town and fire department have operated on an annual contract.
“Both sides were looking for a long-term contract that is beneficial to everyone, and this is certainly that,” said Read.
“During the final negotiations, the mayor asked the Fire Department to take into consideration the terrible economy, and this contract does that.”
Under the contract, the town will pay $25,000 a month from February through June and $300,000 for the fiscal year beginning this July and ending June 30, 2010.
The previous contract was for $291,400 annually.
Beginning July 1, 2010, the revenue for the fire department will be drawn from 2 cents per $100 in assessed value of property taxes, which will produce about $340,000 annually, Read said.
It would not be funded by a tax increase, he said.
Martin’s Point property owners also contract with the department and pay using a 2-cent tax rate.
“We are pleased to have reached a long-term agreement that provides security for our volunteers” Fire Department Board Chairman George Kowalski said in a news release Tuesday.
Read said any bad feelings between the two groups have been put to rest now that the contract has been finalized.
“We now have a steady, long- term contract with what is arguably the finest fire department in the area,” he said.
Fire Chief Bob Harvey said he was pleased that an agreement had been reached.
“We look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Southern Shores,” he said Wednesday.
What it means
Southern Shores Town Manager Charlie Read said Wednesday that the long-term contract will bring stability to the relationship. In the past, the town and fire department have operated on an annual contract. the long-term plan
Under the contract, the town will pay $25,000 a month from February through June 2009 and $300,000 for the fiscal year beginning this July and ending June 30, 2010. The previous contract was for $291,400 annually.