Salisbury officials to meet with County to negotiate fire service agreement

Ahead of a meeting next week to negotiate a fire service agreement between city and County it appears both sides are preparing and cooperating.

On Tuesday, Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver sent Mayor Jim Ireton a letter requesting information about how the city fire department operates in terms of expenses and funding. Today, the city agreed. Mayor Ireton says Fire Chief Rick Hoppes is compiling all the requested data and expects to have it in the County’s hands by the end of Friday.

City leadership says the lack of a fire service agreement is overtaxing city residents who have to pay taxes even when the fire department responds beyond city limits.

Today’s cooperation means both sides should have access to the same information. There is a negotiation meeting set for next Tuesday the 28th.