Four Yarmouth Fire Department dispatchers continue to work as their future remains uncertain.
But a new proposal from the Town of Yarmouth is now in the hands of volunteer fire departments that rely on the service.
The town had previously advised the dispatchers that they’ll be laid-off.
But last week Mayor Pam Mood told Acadia News that they hope an agreement can be reached so the taxpayers in the town no longer have to pay the lion’s share of the cost and the jobs can be saved.
She said the town pays 70 per cent of the dispatch service cost.
24 fire departments in the region pay $100 per month.
The town says the fees only cover $28,800 a year out of a total cost of $260,000.
All of this is happening as contract talks with the union local have stalled and fire departments now look at contingency plans in case the dispatchers positions are terminated.
One possibility would divide the dispatch costs by calls for service for each district.
Another would be to pay one cent on all taxable assessments for an area rate.
Town of Yarmouth Sends New Dispatcher Proposal To Fire Departments.
Here is the letter.. pic.twitter.com/dMH6R64T8Y— Y95 – CJLS (@CJLSRadio) August 10, 2018
Lake Vaughn Fire Chief George Emin has concerns with the pay-per call option.
“One example is Eel Brook. They’re paying $1200 a year now, they’re cost would go to $10,000 a year. it’s my opinion that’s a little bit on the unfair side.”
He’s also concerned there is no consideration for mutual aid.
“If you bill for mutual aid, the help we give them, it would be about $150,000 worth of mutual aid a year.”
Emin does says he hopes the communication lines remain open and a solution that’s fair to everyone can be reached.
(May 17, 2018-firefighters march to town hall in support of local dispatchers-CJLS News photo)
