Johnson City Fire Dept. to Protect Westover & Fairmont

Westover and Fairmont Park will continue to have their fire protection services handled by the Johnson City paid fire department in spite of a bid to turn that service over to the volunteer Endwell Fire Department.

The Town of Union Board yesterday unanimously voted in a renegotiated 150,000 agreement with the Johnson City Fire Department that was $86,000 less than the previous deal.  The lower rate results from a loss of population and structures in those neighborhoods after the 2011 flood.

Several residents said they felt more comfortable sticking with Johnson City for fire services given the department has access to more equipment and is permanently staffed.

The new contract is to take effect January 1.