Pacific approves mutual‑aid agreement framework with Franklin County

The Board of Aldermen on May 20 approved a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor to sign a multi‑jurisdictional mutual aid agreement with Franklin County.

Madam Clerk read the resolution title and Alderman Cleave moved to approve; Alderman Stewart seconded. During discussion Aldermen asked whether the agreement obligates the city to pay for incoming resources and whether time or use tracking exists. Staff replied that sending agencies typically absorb costs but that an agreement can allow for cost allocations in particular incidents. A city representative explained the agreement expands on an existing state statute that provides for mutual aid among first‑responder agencies and recommends documenting local particulars for broader roles such as roads, bridges, public works and administration.

Chief Marshall (newly elected chief) told the board he supports the agreement and said mutual aid agreements “protect the city from any kind of liability or issues that come up” when officers or other personnel respond under a formal pact. The mayor and staff noted the recent tornado response discussions among area managers made the agreement timely.

There was no recorded vote tally in the transcript; the clerk announced “motion carries” and the board approved the resolution. Board members discussed tracking hours and suggested sign‑in sheets or department logs as ways to document mutual aid activity.

The resolution is intended as a framework to document resource sharing for disasters and large incidents and to reduce uncertainty about liability when city personnel assist other jurisdictions.