No IGA for city and SMFR?
By Elizabeth Wood West
Within the walls of South Metro Fire Rescue Authority’s (SMFR) headquarters, board members and staff are continuing to examine the long-term impacts the City of Castle Pines North’s Urban Renewal Authority will have on its ability to provide emergency services in the future.
The city published a press release June 8 that stated the city council had signed an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with SMFR. The fact is that the SMFR board has NOT signed the IGA.
When asked about the city’s press release, SMFR Fire Chief Dan Qualman said, “From the city’s vantage point, the agreement was signed with South Metro. The IGA still needed to have the [SMFR] board of directors sign it to make it active. That was scheduled at the last board meeting, but was tabled for more information,” he said.
According to the city’s press release, the IGA ensures that “the financial future and ability to effectively provide services to area residents will not be financially impacted by the Urban Renewal Authority.” At issue is a provision contained in the IGA relating to debt payments and fire protection funding. Qualman said, “The board wants to make sure that funding for emergency services comes before payments to debt and that service to citizens is not jeopardized by signing this agreement.”
SMFR’s attorney is working on the issues raised by the board. According to Qualman, it is unknown at this time whether the city will revise the IGA or what the next steps will be for either party.
