New Fire Protection Offer

The city of International Falls is making another offer to provide fire protection services to rural areas surrounding the city.

It comes as news was received that the Rural Fire Protection Association announced plans to form its own fire department.

But Mayor Shawn Mason says the decision is not the right move to be making.

"At a time when our area is struggling and we need to look at creating efficiencies I think that creating or allowing the creation of another fire department contradicts collaboration," says Mason."

The city's now offered a $125-thousand deal covering up to 6 years, down from a $147-thousand 5-year deal put forward two weeks ago.

Mason says if the offer is not accepted, residents in the outlying areas should be polled on what service they would prefer