Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Response topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kane County approves interlocal agreement with BigWater after town flags expired breathing gear
Summary
The commission unanimously approved an interlocal cooperation agreement allowing BigWater to respond to vehicular and structural emergencies in unincorporated Kane County; the agreement includes language to prorate county payments when the municipality cannot respond and prompted a discussion about costly SCBA replacement needs.
Kane County commissioners voted unanimously to approve an interlocal cooperation agreement with the town of BigWater on Tuesday that authorizes the town to respond to structural and vehicular emergencies in unincorporated areas of the county.
County attorney Jeff Scott summarized wording changes from an earlier draft and described a safety clause requested by BigWater’s fire chief that would allow the county to prorate payments if the municipality could not respond for part of a contract period because of equipment limitations. Scott said the change was largely semantic but important to the town.
BigWater Fire Chief Cameron told the commission several self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) packs were out of service because they had reached end-of-life. "It doesn't mean that we're not gonna come," Cameron said, describing a change in tactics rather than cessation of response. "It really means that I can't put a firefighter in smoke or fumes... we're still coming no matter what."
Commissioners pressed for clarity on the geographic scope of the agreement. Staff had prepared a response map tied to the town’s EMS response area; county members asked that the language be broadened to allow responses in unincorporated areas that do not fall within an existing district. BigWater’s mayor and chief agreed to remove the attached map and rely on the agreement’s broader wording so the town can respond countywide in unincorporated zones where needed.
The chief estimated replacement quotes for the out-of-service SCBA gear range from roughly $166,000 to $190,000 to fully replace needed packs and bottles; he said the town is pursuing options and expects to return most packs to service within weeks as replacements arrive.
The commission approved the agreement and instructed staff to finalize language and remove the attached map; the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters
Interlocal emergency-response agreements define who may operate in rural or unincorporated areas and how the county compensates municipal responders. The new provision to prorate payment if a town cannot respond because of equipment limitations directly arose from BigWater’s disclosure about expired breathing apparatus and links the county’s financial support to response capability.
What’s next
County staff will finalize the agreement with the map references removed and submit the final agreement for signatures. BigWater officials will pursue funding sources and procurement options for SCBA replacement.
