Following nearly two years of discussions and planning, it appears the Sanilac East Fire Authority will become reality.
An Adhoc Committee met one final time Wednesday evening to iron out details. Now, the ultimate decision lies within the three entities involved.
“This has been a cooperative effort among three entities that ultimately had the common goal of how to best serve our residents,” said Port Sanilac President Ray Mach who was a member of the Adhoc Committee. “I’d like to thank those who served on the committee. It has been a lot of work, a lot of compromise and time at the table to work out details. To think back to where we started two years ago, with what seemed to be a difficult task to where we are tonight (Wednesday) – a lot of work has gone in to this and a lot of minds have come together for the common good.”
According to a formula agreed to by the entities, Sanilac Township will pay 42 percent of the $105,000 budget in the first year, Forester will pay 30.5 percent and Port Sanilac will pay 27.5 percent. The Fire Authority budget could be adjusted in subsequent years.
Officials from Forester and Sanilac Township and the Village of Port Sanilac will now consider the issue and vote on how to proceed at their regular June meetings. A public hearing is being planned for sometime in July, although no date has yet to be set and final documents would be signed in August.
The Fire Authority is expected to begin operation in September.
