Mount Vernon City Council approved a $500,000 fire and emergency medical service contract with College Township by a 4-3 vote on Monday night.
Council President Bruce Hawkins had to break a tie.
Councilmembers Samantha Scoles, Tammy Woods and John Francis voted against the five-year contract; while Tanner Salyers, Mike Hillier and Janis Seavolt voted to approve it. But when Julia Warga abstained from voting, Hawkins had the rare opportunity to vote, which is limited to breaking ties. When he voted for the contract, it was approved.
Hillier asked Fire Chief Chad Christopher to provide updates to council after the first three months of the contract and again in six months. The contract requires the City and Township to evaluate and make adjustments to the contract before June 1, 2024.