News

By Dan Moffett

    Briny Breezes moved closer in July to locking in long-term contracts for police and fire-rescue services.
    Briny and Boynton Beach have agreed to a 12-year fire-rescue pact that will cost the town $356,725 for the first year and includes an adjustment formula for annual cost increases of at least 4 percent.
    Boynton Beach city commissioners unanimously approved the terms in July after Briny Town Council members signed off in June.
    Ocean Ridge town commissioners also gave their blessing to a new deal with Briny — a three-year contract to provide police service that will cost $221,167 annually beginning in October. The contract includes a yearly 4 percent cost-of-living increase, a new provision in the long-standing agreement between the municipalities.
    “We had heard that Ocean Ridge was going to increase the cost,” said Briny Town Council President Sue Thaler, “so we were pleased to see that it was less than what it might have been.”
    Thaler said the agreement will go to the Town Council for final approval on Aug. 25. The Briny corporation typically pays about 40 percent of the cost of the police and fire contracts.
    Ocean Ridge Mayor Geoff Pugh said the working relationship between his town and Briny has been good for both communities.  “I appreciate the Town of Briny Breezes entrusting Ocean Ridge with this contract,” Pugh said. “Thanks for your business.”