By Naomi Hatch Approximately two years ago, a committee of town council members and residents of Taylor and Snowflake tackled the issue of fire and ambulance services. As a result, the town entered an intergovernmental agreement to combine ambulance and fire departments from each town, Taylor Councilman David Smith explained at the Jan. 7 council meeting. He went on to say that regional dispatch was also discussed, but in a meeting of the Taylor and Snowflake councils, it was decided they would like to maintain their own dispatch center. Smith said he felt that with the opening of Walmart, there will be a significant improvement to the community with taxes received, and that public safety should be addressed as far as funding, though that is not the only need. There will be an increased demand for parks and building safety, as well as public safety. “I feel we should bring to the table an increased funding source for public safety to fund our budget,” said Smith. He proposed that a committee be established to look at funding options, such as dedicated property tax, an increase on sales tax and a possible fire district outside the town limits. Smith explained the fire district on McLaws Road in the Holbrook area and a property tax increase imposed by Queen Creek. “I think the committee should look into these types of situations so we can offer a well balanced service to our community,” he said. Smith suggested a committee of two to three council members from both Taylor and Snowflake, and someone from the public sector. “With the IGA (intergovernmental agreement) for fire and EMS, we’ve got to figure out a way to fund it so we have the proper care that we need for our communities,” he said. Smith moved to form such a committee and the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Fay Hatch asked Smith to get together with Snowflake officials to put together some names and proceed with the committee. The mayor also suggested there should be representatives from Taylor-Snowflake Fire & Medical on the committee. Councilman Carl Cosper served on the previous committee and said he would like to serve on the new committee. It was also suggested that Councilman Lynn DeWitt, who served on the previous committee, serve on the new committee, but he was not present to comment.