The Watson Township Board Thursday evening met with representatives from the Hopkins and Martin fire departments to talk about a proposed change in fire service for the township.

Watson is considering a new contract with the Hopkins Area Fire District that would result in dropping Martin from serving the eastern portion of the township. The plan would be to expand Hopkins into all of Watson and limit Martin to mutual aid.

A representative from the Martin department indicated the issue was tabled after extensive discussion among board members and the two departments. The contract with Martin will continue for at least one more year.

Several community members specifically close to the Watson/Martin township border oppose dropping Martin from coverage in that area because that department is closest geographically.

Watson Township Supervisor Kevin Travis explained, “Watson is a member and part owner of the Hopkins Area Fire Department and we have a sub station attached to our township hall. (Treasurer) Sue (Jones) and I are also (Hopkins Area Fire Authority) board members.

“Martin is a contractor and we are considering putting the rest of the township in Hopkins considering most of the calls responded to by Martin are within 1.5 miles of the Watson substation. That and increased ownership and oversight for the department of which Watson is a member (are reasons). We want and expect continued mutual aid between both departments.”

UPDATE: Travis said Friday morning that “no changes were made to the HAFD district boundary and well continue to contract with Martin for at least another year.”

He added that the Township Board adopted a resolution for a dust control/road maintenance millage of 0.75 mill, letting our current dust control levy of one mill expire at the end of the year.

The supervisor added, “In part, we want to increase the special assessment for fire and EMS by 0.25 mill and not incur increased taxes.”