It’s a done deal: fire protection contract with Rural/Metro OK’d
by Barry Cohen

CAREFREE – A lovefest took place at the Carefree Town Council meeting July 5 following unanimous approval of the town’s long‑anticipated fire‑protection service agreement with Rural/Metro Corp.

“The agreement puts Carefree in a position to control its own destiny, as far as fire protection is concerned, and it protects the citizens of the town,” said Morgan of the five‑year agreement that  begins January 1, 2007. The town is converting from individual property‑owner subscriptions for Rural/Metro coverage to its own service that will include the entire town.

Revenue from a sales tax increase will finance the new service.

Under the agreement, Carefree will pay Rural/Metro about $1.17 million annually, with a guaranteed  4‑percent yearly increase. Residents will also benefit from a provision in the contract for “medically necessary” ambulance transportation. If ambulance transport meets the guideline, Carefree residents won’t have to pay anything out of pocket, as Rural/ Metro will bill and collect all third‑party and supplemental benefits on their behalf and accept the money received as payment in full.

On a related matter, the council unanimously approved leasing its new fire truck to Rural/Metro until the new town‑owned fire station is built. Vice Mayor Wayne Fulcher said the $500,000 fire truck is now being outfitted in Tolleson and should be delivered shortly. Rural/Metro will pay the town $3,500 a month under the lease.

In other business, council voted 6‑0 (Councilman Lloyd Meyer was absent) to approve a $290,000 construction bid from Cactus Transport, Inc., for reconstruction work associated with the traffic‑calming project at Cave Creek Road and Tree Lined Trail, the reopening of Lucky Lane and Sunshine Way onto Easy Street, and for removal and replacement of damaged asphalt throughout the town.

The council also approved by a 6‑0 vote the tentative 2006‑07 town budget and renewal of the contract with Kenneth C. Scull to serve as presiding magistrate of the town’s municipal court until November 2010.