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Fairfax adopts amendment to fire district agreement amid Gulf Manor separation talks
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 6-2021 to waive six-month advance-notice withdrawal provisions in the Little Miami Joint Fire and Rescue District agreement while Gulf Manor pursues alternate service; the amendment is linked to ongoing mediation before the Ohio Supreme Court.
The Village of Fairfax on Feb. 16 adopted Ordinance 6-2021, amending the village’s amended and restated fire protection and emergency medical services agreement with the Little Miami Joint Fire and Rescue District.
Alan, the village administrator, told council the amendment is a limited change to waive the six-month advance-notice withdrawal provision so parties (including Gulf Manor, Columbia Township and Fairfax) have negotiating flexibility while Gulf Manor evaluates alternate service that could take effect Jan. 1, 2022. Alan said those discussions are “lengthy and complicated” and “the subject of mediation right now through the Ohio Supreme Court,” and that the amendment would not immediately change current district membership or existing contracts.
A council member asked whether the change affects contract payment obligations; the administrator said the contract remains secondary to membership and that termination of membership would end the contract. Council moved to suspend readings and adopted the amendment as an emergency so all jurisdictions could pass matching measures in time to waive interim deadlines.
Why it matters: The amendment preserves negotiating options for all parties while Gulf Manor explores alternate emergency services—changes that could affect local emergency service providers and response arrangements if Gulf Manor withdraws.
What’s next: Staff and district partners will continue negotiations; the amendment gives local officials greater flexibility in the near term but members remain in the district through the end of the year under the current plan.
