SILVER LAKE - Beginning Jan. 1, Multi-Township EMS will be the emergency care service provider for Silver Lake.

Thursday night, the Silver Lake Town Council approved and signed a contract with MTEMS for 2006.

By signing the contract, the town agreed to provide an ambulance base with garage space for one ambulance, a day room, a kitchenette, sleeping quarters for two paramedics or advanced EMTs, a restroom and a storage area.

In return, the town will receive 24-hour service with one ambulance in town at all times. At least one paramedic and one advanced EMT will be on duty 24 hours a day as well.

MTEMS will be responsible for utility expenses, property/liability damage and maintenance and repairs on the building.

The town will pay MTEMS $2,000 for the year of service, payable in two installments in 2006.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a motion to amend the mileage ordinance approved at the November meeting. Instead of the national average, town employees and elected officials who drive personal vehicles for town business will be reimbursed 38 cents per mile.

• Tabled a motion regarding salary ordinances. The motion will be revisited at the end-of-year meeting Dec. 28 at 10 a.m.

• Approved retaining Rockhill Pinnick as the town's lawyers.

• Approved a retirement plan for town employees. The council approved a contribution of 1 percent of each employee's base pay to begin the program.

• Agreed to rent more than eight acres of land near the fire station to Robbie Clark for $1 in 2006.

• Elected Stanley Williams as council president for 2006.

• Approved a sewer adjustment for Chester Shepherd, who had a water leak that has been repaired.

• Set an executive session Dec. 28 at 8:30 a.m. and a year-end meeting Dec. 28 at 10 a.m.

Silver Lake Town Council members are Ronald Jones, president; Tom Waite and Williams. Town clerk is Angie Glass. [[In-content Ad]]