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Richmond, Fort Bend talks continue on fire protection costs as Richmond narrows automatic responses
Summary
City staff said discussions with Fort Bend County on fire protection costs and equipment (including a ladder truck) remain productive; separately the Fire Chief proposed a March 2 change to stop automatic apparatus responses to some medical calls at facilities with on‑site medical staff, a move expected to reduce about 1,000 responses annually.
City staff reported ongoing discussions with Fort Bend County to update the Fire Protection Agreement, focusing on service responsibilities, response data and associated costs, including clarifying the ladder truck arrangement. Staff characterized recent meetings as productive and said the city provided updated cost information to the county.
Separately, the Fire Chief presented an operational change to reduce unnecessary wear on apparatus while maintaining public safety. Beginning March 2, fire apparatus will not automatically respond to certain medical calls at facilities that have on‑site medical personnel unless additional assistance is requested; staff estimated this adjustment will reduce roughly 1,000 apparatus responses annually. Commissioners discussed ensuring the city receives appropriate compensation from the county and acknowledged the cost‑savings and safety considerations of the response change. No formal action was taken on either the interlocal discussions or the operational protocol at the meeting.
