BIDDEFORD — Biddeford has yet to approve an interlocal agreement with Saco regarding managing public safety on the Saco River.

Last year, an ad hoc committee set up by the twin cities’ mayors worked together to create an agreement for how the fire and police departments of both cities, as well as each communities’ lifeguards, could manage the river together.

Last year, Saco City Council approved the agreement, but the Biddeford City Council has not.

After discussing the measure last year, the Biddeford council tabled the agreement. On Tuesday, a motion to remove the agreement from the table failed.

Mayor Alan Casavant says he hopes Biddeford and Saco can form another committee to create a document that will be amenable to councilors on both sides of the river.

Prior to the council meeting, Biddeford and Saco councilors held a joint meeting in Biddeford City Hall where they discussed the interlocal agreement prior to the Biddeford vote.

One of the sticking points for Biddeford has been a fire rescue boat that Saco may purchase. In past discussions, some Biddeford councilors said they were concerned that by approving the interlocal agreement, Biddeford would have to pay for half of the cost of the boat.

On Tuesday, Saco councilors said that wasn’t the case, and that the issues were separate.

It’s not the intent of Saco City Council to get Biddeford to contribute to the boat purchase, said Saco City Councilor Kevin Roche.

“I’m comfortable with this agreement being separate from the boat,” said Biddeford City Councilor Michael Ready. However, he said, he thought that more should be included in the agreement before it is approved.

Ready said he thought the document wasn’t complete and that there were more opportunities for the two cities to work together.

Casavant said he plans to discuss with Saco Mayor Don Pilon how to proceed. In addition, said Casavant, he hopes the Biddeford and Saco city councils can meet together more frequently and devise other ways to work together to create cost savings for both communities.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or [email protected].