MEXICO — Confusion over the length of a contract between Byron and Mexico for fire protection Tuesday night led to the need for one more meeting between selectmen from both towns.

Following discussion of nearly an hour, the Mexico and Byron selectmen agreed to meet on April 12 to try to sign a 15-year agreement that calls for the Mexico Fire Department to provide fire coverage for Byron. In return, the town of Mexico will receive Byron’s 2005 fire engine, which Mexico fire Chief Gary Wentzell said is valued at $150,000.

A draft contract presented by Town Manager John Madigan called for a 10-year agreement between the two towns, then a chance for a second 10 years once the costs to Mexico were determined. If the number of calls substantially increased, then Byron would face a possible fee for the service.

However, Byron selectmen believe that the truck was good for 20 years of service by the Mexico Fire Department.

Byron Selectman Linda Gallant said her town had been raising about $7,500 a year for its Fire Department until voters agreed to disband it a couple of months ago.

Valuing the truck at $150,000, then dividing that figure by 20 years would result in $7,500 a year.

Mexico Selectman Barbara Laramee said keeping the same annual payment for that length of time was likely not reasonable.

“Everything has gone up so much in 10 years. We have to be responsible to our taxpayers,” she said.

The potential agreement would call for renegotiations after 15 years. At that time, a fee would likely be required from Byron for the continued service by Mexico.

A contract between the two town boards should be signed soon because Mexico residents must act on the interlocal agreement at the annual town meeting in June, Wentzell said.

Byron selectmen must also appoint Wentzell as their fire chief.

Also at Tuesday’s board meeting, selectmen heard a presentation by Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant on the services the county could provide and for what cost.

Selectman Byron Ouellette had requested the presentation as part of an effort to try to reduce municipal expenses.

Gallant said his office could supply four deputies who would provide 24/7 patrols for Mexico at a first-year costs of $408,777, followed by two years at $384,777 each. In addition, he said the town would have access to three detectives, the sheriff and chief deputy.

The Mexico Police Department’s most recent budget is $422,000, including a $60,000 federal grant, that provides 24/7 coverage with three patrolmen, a sergeant and a chief.

Selectmen made no decision on whether to change the way police protection is provided.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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