It only makes sense to table a decision on rural fire protection if the extra time is put to good use.

And that means attempting to reach a compromise from both sides that will see just one fire department in this community.

The Koochiching County Board held off on making a decision about whether the Falls Fire Department or a developing Rural Fire Protection Association department should provide rural protection. The delay is contingent on International Falls providing an extension of the existing contract for at least six months.

Commissioner Chuck Lepper made the motion to table a decision for several reasons, all good. Lepper said the extra time afforded the delay should be used to: get all parties at one table to discuss issues pertinent to reaching an agreement; allow the RFPA Board to poll its customers on their views; allow city residents and RFPA customers to find out how their insurance rates may change with two fire departments.

We believe it would also make sense to consider whether it’s feasible to create a governing board for rural fire issues that would include rural and city representation. That representation would go a long way toward building trust and keeping this small community on the same track.

We know that negotiations broke off some time ago between the city and RFPA. But it’s time, as several commissioners said Tuesday, to put aside personality differences, long-held frustrations, and the telling of half truths in an effort to find out what’s best for everyone.

In our view, that would be reaching agreement with the city for the service.

Already, we’ve seen movement from city officials on contract costs, as well as an admission that a formula and process used to determine costs several years ago was flawed. And Monday, several councilors supported moving forward with exploration of an emergency services district. One of those councilors said such a district would require the city giving up some of its power.

The council’s suggestion to explore such a district makes sense, and some of the ideas — including creating a governing board that would provide representation of all people involved — should be considered toward resolution of this issue.

We urge city, RFPA and county officials to allow for a cooling-off period, and then come to the table with open minds and an attitude of compromise.