The first reading of the amendment to the Riverside Fire Department ordinance has been held, and the city council has waived the second and third reading. The department’s finances will now be handled by the city, including payments made by the townships it serves. Previously, those funds were going directly to the department. This prompted the state auditor to express concerns as a volunteer department does not have the authority to tax townships or receive tax dollars. The city’s attorney will eventually work on a new 28 E agreements for mutual aid with other departments and with the townships for fire protection.