The Belleair Bluffs City Commission voted 3-1 Monday to approve a contract with Largo Fire Rescue to run the one-station Belleair Bluffs Fire Department, which serves about 9,000 people in Belleair Bluffs, Belleair and unincorporated parts of Harbor Hills, Harbor Bluffs and Oakdale Manor.
The commission gave the agreement conditional approval last week, pending concerns over liability and negligence issues. After Largo's attorneys edited the initial draft, Belleair Bluffs Mayor Chris Arbutine called a special meeting to allow the commission to inspect the final version. Fire Commissioner Dave Shimkus, an early opponent of the contract, voted against the agreement. Under the three-year contract, Belleair Bluffs will pay Largo Fire Rescue $136,500 in the first year, with adjustments for the second and third years.
Largo city commissioners plan to vote on the agreement at next Tuesday's commission meeting.
