SMETHPORT — Smethport Borough Council agreed Monday to commit financially to the Essential Emergency Training Program that is to be offered through the Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit Nine Career and Technical Center in Port Allegany.

With two members absent, council passed Councilman Jeff Tanner’s motion to commit $2,000 annually, beginning this year, for five years with evaluation of the program after the first year.

Such a program that provides training for students to become certified firefighters and emergency medical technicians — depending on the students’ ages — is designed not only to encourage students to become active volunteers in their communities, but more importantly,  help ease the critical shortage of volunteers facing many emergency services

An advisory group for the Essential Emergency Training Program, comprised of diverse individuals involved with the fire departments, emergency management, industry and education and are familiar with the program’s training and educational requirements, has been meeting for months and promoting the Essential Emergency Training Program to area municipalities.

The advisory group said the goal for initiating the instruction is the 2017-18 school year.

IU9 provides educational services to 14 school districts in McKean, Cameron, Elk and Potter counties. The agency’s administrative offices are located in Smethport.

In another vote, council adopted a resolution concerning long-term purchases of electricity from American Municipal Power of Ohio.

Council also approved the appointment of Kelly Davis to the board of directors of Hamlin Memorial Library.