The Sumter County Board of Commissioners voted at a special-called meeting Tuesday to approve funding for a 12-month contract with the City of Americus beginning Jan. 1, 2009 – Dec. 31, 2009 for fire and emergency services to be provided in the unincorporated area of Sumter County.

This contract will include $415,000 for the 27th Fire District (area immediately outside the city limits of the City of Americus) and a base of $170,000 plus up to an additional $55,000 (depending upon number of responses) for the remaining unincorporated area. The terms of this contract must also be approved by the Mayor and Council of the City of Americus.

The Commissioners said adequate water sources and fire stations in an area have a positive effect on homeowners’ insurance. County Administrator Lynn Taylor said taxpayers will have to help pay for this fire and emergency contract if it is adopted, but she said property owners in the 27th Fire District have always paid for fire and emergency services.

The proposed contract is only a year, because the commissioners will work on a policy that has more uniformity and consistency, before the subsequent fire and emergency contract is signed.