From the Phoenix Business Journal: Scottsdale-based Rural/Metro Corp. has decided to get out of its contract to provide fire services in its hometown. Rural/Metro Chief Executive Jack Brucker Wednesday announced the private fire department contractor will opt out of its Scottsdale service contract in 2005, but continue to provide emergency medical transportation services. The company has provided privatized fire and emergency services for the city of Scottsdale for 52 years. It withstood a ballot initiative earlier this year, pushed by unions to end that contract and create a municipal Scottsdale fire department. Although fire service was privately provided, the contract was never put up for bid. It looks like Scottsdale is going in-house, still it will be interesting to see if there’s any discussion about moving toward competitive bidding instead.