(KNZA)--Hiawatha city officials say Hiawatha Township is not paying its fair share for fire protection.

The City Commission this week discussed a proposal from the township to pay the equivalent of one property tax mill annually, which would amount to nearly $18,000 for 2018.

The township is currently paying $12,500. However, the city says the township should be paying around $21,000 based on the number of township fire calls and cost of providing service.

The city had proposed a three-year increase to that amount by 2020.

Mayor Steffen Shamburg says the city is trying to be as fair as possible.

Fire Chief Gary Shear said he doesn’t think its fair that Hiawatha taxpayers are subsidizing fire protection for the township.

Following discussion, the Commission voted to accept the township’s offer  of $17,516 for 2018 with the understand they must start paying more in 2019 or risk the loss of fire protection from the city.