Road Cleared for Bluffs to Join Largo Fire ServiceBy Leo Coughlin BELLEAIR BLUFFS - The City Commission took further steps at its meeting Monday night to contract with Largo for fire service. Belleair's decision some weeks ago to leave the Belleair Bluffs fold for fire service and go to Largo set off an avalanche of events that will totally change the fire department situation locally. But it will not affect the caliber of service or reliability whether for blazes or medical emergencies. The commission Monday night approved language for a September 1 referendum that will authorize the commission to contract with a third party for fire service and rescue services. A referendum is required because of a requirement inserted into city law about 10 years ago that specified that a referendum was needed to abolish the fire department. Language in September's referendum does not mention "abolishing" the fire department, merely authorization for the commission to go elsewhere for the services. Perhaps a distinction without a difference. Given the loss of Belleair, the Bluffs cannot sustain its present fire department without a significant tax increase. In the view of Mayor Chris Arbutine this would not be wise economically and politically. The commission has given Arbutine the green light to talk to Chief Mike Wallace of Largo and Largo officials to nail down details. This is taking place now so that once the referendum is held, and it is expected to pass, everything will be in place for Largo to be the city's fire department. Not mentioned prominently, but certainly of interest, are the unincorporated areas south of Belleair Bluffs. Fire and rescue service was provided to Harbor Hills and Harbor Bluffs as part of the Bluffs fire district which is now extinct. Presumably, Largo will cover the areas which adjoin Largo along their borders. In other action, the commission approved a resolution amending the employees flexible benefit plan which allows employees to put more money into retirement funds with no extra input from the city.
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