In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need for fire protection services in the city of Midway, which has been struggling to respond to emergency calls. The mayor highlighted a critical shortage of firefighters, prompting a proposal for a potential contract that could cost around $500,000. However, before any figures can be finalized, the commission must first approve the plan.

The discussion revealed that the proposed contract would encompass a comprehensive five-year cost analysis, including salaries, benefits, operational expenses, and startup costs for a new fire station. The officials emphasized that this proposal does not include any financial contributions from Liberty County, as it is structured as a standalone contract.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the financial implications for Midway, which is one of the smallest municipalities in the area. They suggested that the city might need to implement a fire tax or other revenue-generating measures to cover the costs. Additionally, there was a call to involve neighboring municipalities, such as Riceboro, in discussions to share the financial burden and ensure a collaborative approach to fire protection.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the fact that Midway's compliance for fire services is at risk of being revoked, which would ultimately shift responsibility to the Liberty County Board of Commissioners. This potential shift could lead to increased costs for the county if a solution is not reached soon.

As the meeting concluded, the board agreed to allow the fire chief to present the proposal to the city of Midway, with the understanding that no commitments would be made until further discussions take place. The commissioners recognized the need for a strategic approach to ensure that fire protection services are adequately funded and managed, while also considering the broader implications for the surrounding municipalities.