Town, EVFD agree to temporary contract

Two representatives from the Town of Ekalaka and two from the Ekalaka Volunteer Fire Department signed a temporary contract for fire protection services earlier this summer.

The six-month contract dated June 20th is an agreement for EVFD, Inc. to provide fire protection, suppression, rescue and emergency services to the residents and property owners of the town and surrounding community. In addition, the contract states that EVFD, a nonprofit corporation, will continue its contracts with DNRC and mutual aid partners.

The contract was signed by Mayor Buck Kratzer, Town Clerk Mariah Schneider, EVFD President Pat Strickland and EVFD Fire Chief Mark Wright.

In exchange for these services, the town agreed to release holds on the fire department's bank accounts. Those accounts can be used for payment of fundraising, corporate costs and expenses, training, operations outside Ekalaka town limits and the acquisition of necessary equipment, according to the contract.

During the term of the agreement, the town will provide EVFD a license to use all of its fire equipment to fulfill the scope of services described above. The equipment will be serviced and maintained by the town based on recommendations from the department. The town also agreed to continue the lease agreement with the department for use of the current fire hall and will pay expenses and utilities associated with the aging building.

The fire department agreed to have their elected fire chief attend council meetings to provide updates. EVFD will pay for training its members and will also pay and maintain its own worker's compensation insurance.

If, at any time, EVFD Inc. dissolves or designates itself as "inactive" the town will assume ownership of the corporation's equipment and assets.

The temporary contract also states that either party may elect to terminate the agreement upon sixty days written notice to the other party.

It is likely that some changes will be made to the contract upon its six-month expiration as both parties continue to discuss specifics.

The contract does, though, provide a solid starting point for both parties and is the first agreement made between the two since the ownership of the fire department's equipment and assets originally came into question in December of 2016 when EVFD incorporated.