STATESBORO, Ga. () — Leaders from the city of Statesboro and Bulloch County are trying to come to an agreement that would change how fires are fought outside the city limits.

“The primary concern for both sides is how do we provide adequate fire protection for everyone in Bulloch County which includes the city of Statesboro,” Mayor Jonathan McCollar.

The Bulloch County Fire Department isn’t happy with their response times – which for some could be up to 20 minutes.

“We want to build fire stations closer to the citizens that we serve,” said County Fire Chief Ben Tapley.

Because of those response times and the fact the department is only a few years old, both the city and county fire had an agreement to work together to serve the 5-mile radius around Statesboro.

“We can’t continue to pay them to provide fire protection while we’re providing that fire protection and grow our own fire department and build infrastructure throughout the county,” said newly sworn-in County Chairman David Bennett.

He said he doesn’t want the county to pay for those services anymore – and now with the five-year expiration date on their agreement coming up – he’s offered a new plan that would grow the county’s department gradually.

“We’re not going to just leave them out in the cold without fire protection.”

He said the county offered to take the north end of the district at a lower price paid to the city while still maintaining the south end – where growth is expected. City leaders said they plan to talk it over.

“This is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to come and discuss this manner and so I think moving forward we’re going to get a great opportunity to have great dialogue that will benefit everyone that we represent,” said McCollar.