City, Township Finally Reach Fire Contract Agreement

Editor's note: This story was updated at 3:12 p.m.

After what some city council members considered a long process, the city and township have finally reached an agreement for emergency services contract.

unanimously approved a three year contract with Twinsburg Township, providing fire and EMS service for a flat fee each year.

Law Director Dave Maistros said the township will pay $552,000 ($46,000 per month) the first year, $563,000 ($47,000 per month) the second year and $574,000 ($48,000 per month) the final year.

The previous contract expired Dec. 31, 2011, and the city has been providing emergency services without a set contract since January. Under the new agreement the township will backlog payments from the start of the year.

“I would hope we can finally get this thing passed and move forward,” At-Large Councilman Gary Sorace said. 

Council members have discussed the issue over the years regarding emergency contracts with the township, especially since the previous one expired.

Payments will be made by the fifth of each month. According to the contract, if the payment isn't made within 30 days, a five percent late fee will be charged.

If no payment is made after 60 days, the city reserves the right to terminate the contract.

There have been several discussions over contracts between the two parties and what was owed for the first part of 2012, according to the Twinsburg Bulletin.

Maistros thanked the township trustees' for their help and said the new deal should make things easier moving forward.

Township Manager Robert Kagler said he wasn't sure if city council approved the version they sent back or if any changes were made to it.

There were no changes made by the city from the agreement they received back from the township, according to Maistros.

Kagler said the township's board of trustees has been hopeful to conclude negotiations for a while.

Many council members were glad to have the deal done also, especially with a flat fee for the next several years.

“I think this is a lot closer to being fair for both parties than in the past,” Furey said.