MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Commissioners are hoping to find solutions for the lack of fire service in unincorporated Cordova through a potential $1.5 million contract with the City of Memphis.
The resolution would allow Memphis Fire Crews to respond to emergency calls in that area.
The two closest Shelby County fire stations near Cordova are between seven and 12 miles away.
Cordova resident Miguel Prado told ABC24 this proposal will benefit their entire community.
"That would be very convenient because it would take a lot less time to respond to any event nearby," Prado said.
Shelby County Commissioner Shante Avant said this resolution will be a three-year contract with the City of Memphis, addressing current response times.
"This would make sure that the closest fire station to a home, in the interest obviously of public safety, that they would have those services more immediately," Avant said.
According to Avant, the county commission does not have enough funds for a proposed Cordova fire station. She said they are hoping this contract is a temporary answer before investing in a fire station in the future.
"This is to make a decision on whether or not it's more prudent and best use of funds to contract with Memphis Shelby County rather than building a new fire station," she said.
Avant said a town hall meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12 at Hope Church from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Having lived in the area for seven years, Kent Jones said he is hoping this town hall meeting is an opportunity to get questions answered.
"Like what are they currently doing?" Jones said. "What would be the difference? The number of people? How much equipment they would have available to do these type of responses?"
Avant said Shelby County Commissioners plan to make a decision on this proposed resolution on November 18.