MONROE — The Monroe Rural Fire District is ringing in the new year with a new firehouse as the December termination to their contract with the City of Monroe comes to a close.

The district had previously worked in conjunction with the Monroe Fire Department, but the city and the fire district cut ties earlier this year after months of failed negotiations. 

“It was probably a two-year discussion with the city of Monroe,” RFD President Traci Signer said on the City and RFD working towards a long-term agreement. “Trying to find different options to make it so everyone’s equal. We just kept coming away from the City of Monroe feeling like we weren’t paying our fair share.”

Because those living in the townships see fewer benefits of the city fire department, there were residents and RFD members that felt that it was time to find a new agreement that is fairer to the district. 

Much discussion over equalized value was held, but members of the RFD said that equalized value will not allow the same benefit to the rural communities as it does to the City of Monroe.

After months of back-and-forth discussion and denied proposals, the RFD, now a completely separate entity, will respond to calls from their new 10th Avenue West location starting Jan. 1. 

Because the location had previously been a commercial building, Signer said, much of the building was already prepared to house the district, allowing for the district to move quickly and make the switch with the new year.

Signer said that thanks to help and advice from surrounding fire departments, the transition was made easier.

“I can’t believe the camaraderie and brotherhood,” Signer said.

The department currently has five of their own vehicles for responding, including two engines. For the first two months of the department’s services, they will be partnering with Browntown, Juda and Monticello to ensure a smooth transition.

“You can put all of the equipment you can on the trucks but you’re never going to be sure that you have everything you need,” Signer said. Having the extra support will help ensure that they respond to emergencies prepared.

The RFD will respond to calls traditionally, with Green County Dispatch calling them out to incidences within the district, which includes the towns of Monroe and Clarno.

The volunteer department currently has 32 people on its roster, including three chiefs.