Row brewing as city refuses to pick up fire protection tab ahead of impending implosion.
Several Weirton council members said Monday that the Joseph B. Fay Co. – not city taxpayers – should foot the bill for fire protection during implosion of the Fort Steuben Bridge next week.
After hearing council’s objections, City Manager Valerie Means said she will contact representatives of the Russellton, Pa., company and it they don’t agree to reimburse the city for the cost of the fire department’s presence, “then we’re not going to be on site.” The more than 80-year-old span is set for demolition early Feb. 21.
Councilman George Ash raised the issue during council’s meeting Monday evening, saying residents should not be responsible for paying the additional costs in fuel and overtime for firefighters that will be incurred during the implosion. Councilman Terry Weigel agreed, recalling that when Paramount Pictures came to town during the fall of 2010 to film the blockbuster “Super 8” in Weirton, causing city police officers and firefighters to log significant overtime, the production company picked up the entire tab.
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