MEXICO — Selectmen from Mexico and Byron will meet Tuesday, Dec. 28, to begin discussions that could lead to a contract for fire protection services.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Mexico Town Hall.

The residents of Byron, with a population of about 120, overwhelmingly voted Dec. 8 to dissolve their Fire Department. Cited as reasons for the action were the number of state and federal regulations nearly impossible for a small department to comply with, difficulties with the communication system and the dwindling number of volunteers. Byron’s fire chief resigned as of Dec. 1.

Mexico Fire Chief Gary Wentzell made several presentations to Byron selectmen on how fire coverage could be provided.

A possible contract could include an annual fee paid by Byron for the service, some sort of arrangement with Byron for that town’s relatively new fire engine, which was received in 2005 with U.S. Department of Homeland Security funds, or some other option.

Wentzell said he is working with his department to change the bylaws so Byron residents could become Mexico Fire Department volunteers. Now only Mexico residents can be paid volunteers.

If the two boards come to an agreement, residents of both towns will have to approve the contract.

The Mexico Fire Department is staffed by three full-timers and can call on more than two dozen volunteers. The department also operates a successful junior firefighter program.

Byron Selectman Anne Simmons-Edmunds said she had hoped to begin the new year with fire protection in place.

Wentzell said his department has acted as the first responder for any emergencies in Byron for several months.

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