Town of Woodville
Update on Fire/EMS Services Contract with the Village of Harrison

Dear Woodville Residents,

The Town Board has been carefully reviewing a new proposed Fire/EMS services contract with the Village of Harrison.  As many of you know, the Village of Harrison has provided fire and emergency medical services to our community for many years.  Harrison has recently proposed a new agreement, and we want to keep you fully informed about where things stand.
The Town of Woodville is fully committed to securing high-quality, reliable Fire/EMS services at a fair and reasonable cost to our taxpayers.  Because the Town had no involvement in drafting the new proposed contract, our Board is taking the time necessary to fully understand its terms and work with our attorney to ensure any final agreement protects Woodville’s interests while maintaining excellent service.
We have reviewed the concerns raised by the Village of Sherwood and share some of those concerns, particularly around long-term financial commitments and ensuring that the costs are reasonable and transparent.  At the same time, the Village of Harrison has expressed willingness to continue negotiating directly with Woodville.
Under the proposed contract, the Village of Harrison would retain full ownership and operational control of the Fire/EMS department.  The Town of Woodville along with the Village of Sherwood, would simply pay a percentage share of the department’s overall operating and maintenance costs.  Our Board is concerned that this structure could and would lock the Town into long-term financial commitments, including multi-year capital contributions and fixed monthly payments, without sufficient annual review or approval rights by the Town.  We also share the concern that the new cost-sharing formula is likely to increase expenses for Woodville taxpayers. 
We have requested reasonable additional time to complete our review and will continue good-faith negotiations.  Our goal remains uninterrupted, high-quality Fire/EMS protection at a cost that is responsible and transparent for Woodville residents.
We will continue to update you as negotiations progress.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly or attend the next Town Board meeting.
Thank you all for your continued support and patience as we work through this important community issue.

Town of Woodville Board