The City of Omaha and the Elkhorn Suburban Fire Protection District No. 2 have reached a tentative agreement on fire, rescue and medical services for the district.
Last week, the Elkhorn district announced it would end its contract with Omaha Fire Department citing high costs for residents. The city of Omaha charged the district approximately $4.4 million for 1,142 calls in 2016. The contract was set to expire in 2018.
On Wednesday the city announced they've negotiated a tentative 10-year agreement to continue services. The plan must still be approved by the Elkhorn Suburban Fire Protection District Board of Directors and the Omaha City Council.
"We all share the goal to provide excellent fire and medical services to the citizens of both jurisdictions," said Mayor Stothert. "We are pleased that we will continue to work together."
"The goal of the Elkhorn Suburban Fire Protection District is to provide the residents and property owners within the District with excellent fire and rescue services at a reasonable cost whether that be through a contract with the City or a re-established fire department," said District President Bill Armbrust. "We believe the negotiated terms of this contract with the City shall achieve that goal for the District."
Specific details of the agreement will be announced after the board and council have been briefed.