Mount Clemens approves MABAS amendment to let specialty fire teams recover costs

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted unanimously to adopt an amendment to the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) agreement that adds a provision allowing specialty operation teams to invoice for full cost recovery when they are deployed.

Captain Shipman of the Mount Clemens Fire Department, who explained the change to the commission, said the amendment extends the county’s reciprocal mutual-aid model to the state level and clarifies when cost recovery applies. "The best thing I can compare it to is our interlocal agreement that we have within the county," Captain Shipman said, adding that the amendment covers specialty teams such as HAZMAT and rescue. He said the first eight hours of a response are guaranteed to be free, and the amendment makes clear that specialty teams may seek reimbursement for costs beyond that period.

The amendment was presented as an update to the 2014 interlocal agreement and is intended to ensure participating communities — the Mount Clemens Fire Department participates along with 26 other Macomb County fire departments — can recoup expenses when a response exceeds local resources. Supporters told the commission the change positions the city to meet potential state requirements and reduces the chance that specialty responses would otherwise be billed through private vendors.

After questions from commissioners about potential costs to the city, staff and Captain Shipman said the agreement itself does not impose charges on the city and may help the city avoid unexpected outlays by clarifying billing responsibilities. On roll call the commission approved the amendment; all members present voted in favor.

The commission authorized city administration to execute the amended agreement and directed staff to keep the public informed about how specialty deployments will be handled under the new language.