Sewickley and Edgeworth to Amend Fire Services Agreement

Sewickley Council plans to approve an amendment tonight to the Edgeworth fire protection agreement that will include a transfer of two Edgeworth fire trucks to Cochran Hose Company.

The $200,000 value of the two trucks will be credited toward Edgeworth’s annual payments for fire services to Sewickley.

Edgeworth Council voted in September to decertify its volunteer fire department because of a shrinking number of volunteers providing fire protection. The borough later struck an agreement with Sewickley for fire-protection services. Under the agreement, Edgeworth pays annually $50,000 as well as a $9,000 contribution to the Fire Capital Reserve Fund. 

Sewickley Solicitor Richard Tucker said the transfer of the truck titles will give Edgeworth a $40,000 credit each year for five years, beginning in 2012. Edgeworth will still be responsible for remaining costs under the contract.

Edgeworth Manager Marty McDaniel said the agreement also includes a clause that if the contract ends, Sewickley must reimburse Edgeworth for the remaining credit.

“It's like a prenuptial agreement,” McDaniel said.

Sewickley Council planned to vote on the ordinance last month but tabled the matter because of questions over loan balances.

Tucker said the loans have been paid off and the titles will be clear when they are transferred.

McDaniel said Edgeworth Council plans to pass the same amendment at its meeting Tuesday night.