Given the fact that fires on vacant farmland are less likely to occur and less destructive when they do occur than fires within a city, the cost of providing fire services should be less costly than it is within a city. 

Chad Sandey, Sand Creek town treasurer, asked the Jordan City Council Monday night to reconsider how it calculates how much money townships pay for their fire contracts with the city. Sandey spoke in support of Town Board Chairman Cy Wolf's written request, which was on the council's meeting agenda.

Sand Creek, St. Lawrence, Helena, and Belle Plaine townships and the city are serviced by the Jordan Fire Department.

According to townships' contract with Jordan, the amount of money paid by each governmental entity is based on valuation of the property within its jurisdiction.

Sandey said the rural fire commission was formed in 1995, and the agreement is reviewed every five years. The city and the townships have dramatically changed, Sandey and Mayor Ron Jabs agreed.

Sandey said the formula should be reviewed by a committee of city and township officials. 

"We don't know if it's fair," Sandey said.

The city council directed staff to create a committee to review the formula for paying for fire services and to set up meetings.