Corinne council approves $4,100 to install fire radios as talks continue on regional unified fire study

The Corinne City Council voted to approve a $4,100 contract to install new radios for the Corinne Fire Department after the city received one viable installation bid.

The motion to approve the $4,100 installation was seconded by Diane Whitaker and the council recorded the motion as carrying. The mayor said the installation is necessary and that the city could not complete the installation with in-house staff.

Council discussion on fire services also included an update on a regional "unified fire" study. Mayor (name not specified) and Chief Norman reported they had met with Brigham City Mayor D.J. Botte and Brigham City fire officials to review the study and existing mutual-aid arrangements. The mayor said Brigham City is reviewing its mutual-aid contracts and has discussed charging for medical responses as part of contract renegotiations.

"You scratch our back, we scratch yours," the mayor said summarizing the prior arrangement; he asked whether the council wanted to simply trade responses or pursue a new negotiated agreement after Brigham City suggested fees for some medical transports. The mayor said Brigham City's officials appeared to be re-examining what their contracts should cover and that Corinne staff will continue discussions; the mayor plans periodic meetings (every fourth Tuesday) with Brigham City representatives to pursue the topic further.

Separately, the council reviewed two sewer-cleaning bids and noted the previous vendor (Twin D) submitted a lower bid (~$21,316) than Val Carter & Sons (~$29,079.35 plus ~$2,800 for lift-station cleaning). The council did not vote on sewer cleaning at this meeting and will place the item on a future agenda for approval.

The mayor instructed staff to proceed with the radio installation work and to continue negotiating and gathering information on any proposed changes to mutual-aid or interlocal arrangements with Brigham City.