MEXICO — Selectmen from Mexico and Byron agreed on a 15-year deal Tuesday night that calls for the Mexico Fire Department to provide fire coverage for Byron.

The plan has been in the works for several months. Both boards believe it is a win-win situation for the towns.

The agreement calls for Byron to turn over a 2005 fire engine to Mexico. In return, the Mexico Fire Department will provide fire coverage for 15 years. At the end of that period, Town Manager John Madigan said his town’s department will know the costs for providing fire coverage and the cost per year will be determined.

Byron’s Fire Department disbanded several months ago because of fewer volunteer firefighters and more training and paperwork required.

Mexico had planned to purchase a new fire engine. With the agreement with Byron, that will not be necessary for several years.

Mexico also agreed to place an amended article on the town meeting warrant that, if approved, would allow firefighters from other towns to serve on the Mexico Fire Department.

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Byron Selectman Patrick Knapp-Veilleux said several residents from his town want to become members of Mexico’s call force. He said, too, that Byron has eight or nine sets of approved turnout gear for volunteers.

Madigan said the contract calls for Byron to turn over any firefighting equipment it has. Also, he said as the municipal budget is being developed, he has increased the call force training lines to include any Byron firefighters who join the department.

Byron Selectman Linda Gallant said with the agreement made Tuesday night, her board can now take that document before voters.

Madigan said the bylaw amendment and the proposal to provide coverage for Byron will be articles on Mexico’s town meeting warrant.

He said public hearings will be held on the entire town meeting warrant at least 10 days before the referendum vote June 14.

eadams@sunjournal.com


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