The Town of Edgewood is on the clock in a high-stakes race to preserve fire and EMS service before July 1 and with few other options open, the town has announced it is pursuing a meeting with Santa Fe County to negotiate a new agreement to continue those services
Santa Fe County, which operates Fire Station No. 70, and the town are in a dispute about Edgewood’s obligation under a joint powers agreement that has the county providing those services. The center of the squabble is the town’s claim that it has been overpaying the county for years.
Edgewood reportedly stopped paying the county in 2023, leading to an eventual lawsuit from the county.
At a special meeting Tuesday, Edgewood commissioners said representatives of the county have agreed to enter negotiations to ensure the service keeps going.
Residents spoke passionately about their concerns should the town lose fire and EMS service and questioned the fiscal responsibility of prior town leadership.
“We are going to have fire and EMS coverage,” Mayor Mike Rariden said. “I guarantee you it’s going to look just like it is now, because it’s going to be the same. That’s what’s going to happen. That’s our goal, that’s our determination, that is our negotiation standpoint, at least that’s my opinion. And I don’t think there’s anyone up here or in the staff that disagrees with that.”
Despite Rariden’s optimism, Santa Fe County has not confirmed that any new deal is open for discussion.