FRANKLIN, La. — Discussions are continuing between the Franklin Fire Department, City of Franklin and St. Mary Parish Government over the future of fire protection services for District 5.
Franklin Fire Chief Chuck Bourgeois met Tuesday with St. Mary Parish Chief Administrative Officer Paul Governale to discuss concerns surrounding the longstanding fire protection agreement.
According to the Franklin Fire Department, Bourgeois first raised concerns with parish officials in March. The meeting came after the department recently announced that it could potentially withdraw fire protection services from District 5 if a resolution could not be reached.
Tuesday’s meeting did not result in an agreement, but fire officials said communication between the parties is now underway and several possible options have been presented.
At the center of the dispute is a fire protection agreement dating back to 1987. The Franklin Fire Department maintains that St. Mary Parish Government has not fully met the financial terms of the agreement over the years.
According to figures released by the department, officials estimate the City of Franklin has received more than $1.5 million less in funding than it should have received over the past 39 years under the agreement.
Fire officials say the disagreement is therefore about more than the additional funding currently being discussed. They say adequate funding is necessary for the Franklin Fire Department to continue providing the level of fire protection expected under the agreement.
The department emphasized that withdrawing fire protection from District 5 is not its desired outcome and said Chief Bourgeois and City of Franklin officials remain hopeful that an agreement with parish government can be reached.
The Franklin Fire Department also thanked residents who have contacted parish officials and expressed support for the department.
Discussions are expected to continue, and the department says additional information will be released as negotiations move forward.
