There are currently mutual aid agreements in place for the sharing of police, fire and emergency medical services for the cities and counties within the Des Moines metro area. Previously there were similar agreements in place for public works departments as well. However, there is a need to update the public works mutual aid agreement at this time. This will delineate the procedures to be used for sharing equipment, personnel and facilities and also provide the template for reimbursement applications with FEMA in the case of major emergencies.
Public works officials from the counties of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marshall, Marion, Polk, Story and Warren and the cities within these counties met recently and developed the 28E Agreement for the Public Works Mutual Aid.
The agreement allows for one entity to help another entity in an emergency situation, and allows for the reimbursement of expenses for such actions when the emergency event has a duration of at least 12 hours. Services that qualify under this agreement include personnel, equipment, materials, supplies and facilities.
Pending council approval, this agreement will be in effect for a period of 10 years. There is a termination clause (by providing proper notice) if a city were to desire to opt-out of the agreement. It is recommended by public works that the agreement be accepted at this time. |