Devising a fire protection contract and evaluating billing formulas for fire suppression and hydrants were the subjects discussed at a meeting between the City of St. Ignace and the townships of Moran and St. Ignace Thursday, October 29. The two townships receive fire protection service from the city, but have lacked a formal contract since 1989, and the formula for billing has not been changed since 1966, according to City Manager Eric Dodson, so a new committee has been formed to address these issues.

He, along with Councilman Don Gustafson and Mayor Paul Grondin of St. Ignace, Trustee Mark Spencer and Treasurer Susan Dionne of Moran Township, Clerk Donna Harju of St. Ignace Township, and St. Ignace Fire Chief John "Bucky" Robinson discussed what they believe should be included in the protection contract. Both townships said they are satisfied with the service but are concerned about the billing formula .

The formula takes into account each municipality's population and state equalized value (SEV), and determines the percentage it should pay of the total shared cost to provide fire service. The two percentages are averaged and applied to the total operating costs. Other factors such as building and equipment fees are factored in, as well.

Mr. Spencer suggested the formula be changed to 40% SEV, 40% population, and 20% cost of fire service responses. The committee decided to entertain the idea and determine how that could work.

A major portion of response costs, Mr. Dodson said, arises from distance. In some cases, a fire may be a half hour away or longer.

Revising the SEV portion may be a good idea, Mr. Dodson said. No matter how much a house may be worth, it should take the same amount of effort to control a fire.

"Hydrant rental" billing was another topic of discussion. Mr. Spencer said he wants to know how the city arrived at a $200 rental fee per hydrant when Moran Township owns all 49 of its hydrants.

Mr. Dodson explained "hydrant rental" is a misnomer. Billing is not assessed for the hydrant, but for maintenance and for the water and pressure supplied to the hydrant. The name may be changed to "readiness to serve" in the future. A breakdown of how the $200 charge is assessed will be detailed at a future meeting.

The committee will meet again next month to further elaborate on the formula and contract.

Supervisor Dale Nelson, the second representative of St. Ignace Township, did not attend the meeting.