After several iterations, the Payson Town Council at its July 23 meeting approved a management agreement that has Payson fire officials overseeing the Hellsgate Fire Department when its chief retires this fall.
If the Hellsgate fire board agrees to the contract, Payson’s Fire Chief David Staub would serve both fire departments until a more permanent solution can be found. The HFD board will meet on Aug. 8 to discuss the contract.
For the past two years, the neighboring departments have discussed ways to join operations. Ideas have ranged from a full fire merger to having a Payson battalion chief serve as Hellsgate’s chief.
Each time, the Payson council has voted against any proposal, mostly over fears of losing control of authority, equipment and money.
The two departments have sought a solution as current Hellsgate Chief John Wisner will retire in October.