Following the Brighton City Council Meeting on Tuesday, it was evident that tensions still linger between the Volunteer Fire Department and the council. For many, however, hope is not lost that the situation can be resolved.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, the council heard from Brighton resident, Dick Green who presented them with $2,000. “I was waiting for God to tell me what to do. Well he told me Saturday morning. He said these guys ain’t gonna change anything. They’ve all backed themselves back into a corner and they’re not gonna be able to do anything. He said I’m gonna do it, but I’m gonna do it through you. He said you’re gonna pay the $2,000.” Green spoke to KCII afterwards, furthering his rationale for giving the money. “What I said was a two-fold deal. It was to help pay, and also to heal.”

The money is linked to a past disagreement in which the fire department was requesting an assurance of $2,000 annually from the city, which could build over time. Due to an uncertainty of funds, the council approved a memorandum of understanding with the language that the city would provide up to $2,000 for building maintenance and repairs. The memorandum was presented to the department, but not accepted.

With the Brighton Volunteer Fire Department threatening to resign and discontinue service by March 15 if previous requests were not met, it is uncertain what effect the money given by Green will have. In the meantime, Mayor Melvin Rich met with eight different fire departments to develop a Fire Response Contingency Plan if the Brighton Department disbands next week. “We have the contingency plans. I hope we don’t have to use them.” Rich said.

With the impending deadline approaching, a special meeting has been scheduled for Monday, March 13 at 6 p.m. at Brighton City Hall. The meeting will be open to the public.