WilCo terminates mutual aid agreement with Travis County

Of special concern to Travis county is the fact that other governmental entities which assisted in these fires were being denied reimbursement, the letter read. After careful consideration and discussions with local, state and federal personnel, Travis County feels it is more efficient to request or provide assistance during disasters under the State Mutual Aid Plan than to maintain existing mutual aid agreements.

Thomas and Baldwin said that dissolving the agreement does not mean the counties will stop providing aid to one another. Participation in the State Mutual Aid Plan, found in chapter 418 of the Government Code, allowsa county in need to go to the state to find assistance if none is readily available in theimmediate area.

We will still respond when requests are made, if we are able, Baldwin said. We will make our requests under the statewide mutual aid [agreement]. This has nothing to do with not wanting help or not being able to help.