The Sandy Springs City Council voted Dec. 18 to settle a lawsuit filed against it by Fulton County concerning overtime for fire department services provided by the county before Sandy Springs established its own fire department.

City Council voted to approve a $500,000 settlement — to be paid out of the city’s general fund — to cover overtime costs. City Attorney Wendell Willard said after the council voted that Fulton County had been seeking around $1 million.

“It’s good for the city,” Willard said.

The council voted to approve the settlement after a lengthy regular meeting. During the regular meeting the council entered into a legal closed-door meeting, called an executive session, to discuss the case. By the time the council reemerged at 10 p.m. most of the residents in attendance had gone home.

The Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Department launched in December of 2006.

Dan Whisenhunt wrote for Reporter Newspapers from 2011 - 2014. He is the founder and editor of Decaturish.com