Just before noon Monday, the Fire Department received an emergency call about "an odor of gas coming from the basement" of a Broadway business.
No fire was found, but the call was just one of hundreds of gas-related complaints last year in the city.
Fire Chief Brian Moriarty expects such calls will continue in the new year in the wake of the Sept. 13 Merrimack Valley gas disaster, and has suggested Columbia Gas should pay $1.1 million for an extra engine company to work in South Lawrence around the clock.
Columbia Gas on Monday issued a statement saying the company is willing to discuss the request for 2019.
"Columbia Gas remains committed to the Greater Lawrence area. We are working with state and local officials to finalize a comprehensive plan for the next restoration phase. We appreciate the ongoing support from area first-responders and welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue in ongoing discussions with fire chiefs," said the statement distributed by Scott Person, Columbia Gas spokesperson.