Watson contracts with both Martin Rescue and HAFD

The Watson Township Board Thursday night adopted a resolution of intent to contract for fire services with Martin Township Fire and Rescue, in addition to the Hopkins Area Fire Department.

The contract will be good at least until March 31, 2021.

The vast majority of Watson is handled by the HAFD, but Martin Township takes care of an eastern portion of the township, all the way up to U.S.-131. Martin will be paid $15,000 with a light increase to make it a quarter of a mill.

Trustee Michelle Harris cautioned that it is not a done deal because “we have to ask the Hopkins Fire Authority to approve it (as well).”

Two representatives each from both departments attended the meeting to further comment on the arrangement.

Watson the month before was discussing a proposal to have the HAFD cover all of the township, but Martin officials explained that they have been covering a portion for a long time.

In other business at Thursday night’s meeting, the board:

• Was told by Allegan County Commissioner Gale Dugan that reports of domestic violence to the sheriff’s department have increased by about 40 percent since the beginning of the COVID-19 health crisis.
• Approved a larger amount for an outdoor bulletin board at the township hall, caused by the unloading fee from the truck that brought it in. The original cost was pegged at $491.99, but the final bill came to $704.92.
• Adopted a resolution to make the Allegan Township Hall the alternative meeting site when the audience gets too large for the Watson Hall to accommodate. The Allegan hall is located 5.6 miles due west on 118^th Street.
• Noted Ken Pardee handed over about $300 collected in a scrap metal drive to the Hopkins Area Fire Department. Assistant Chief Trevor Beilby said the department also has been overseeing collection of pop cans for donations, with the estimated amount in the thousands of dollars.

COVER PHOTO: Two representatives each from the Martin Fire and Rescue and Hopkins Area Fire Department were present at the Watson Township Board meeting to help with questions and answers.