The Allouez department wanted to reduce costs for the fire and ambulance services without sacrificing quality, according to Fire Chief Neil Cameron. The department handles about 150 fire calls and 850 medical calls a year. Paid firefighters staff the village’s fire station, supplemented by volunteers.
The International Association of Fire Fighters, which represents firefighters in both departments, supported the merger.
Why It’s Important
Gov1 regularly follows mergers and consolidations of municipal services such as fire protection, police and emergency dispatch as governments seek ways to save money. It can be a method for achieving operational efficiencies (such as training and equipment) and reducing costs by eliminating duplicated services. However, consolidation also can produce at least the appearance of reduced service levels as well as concerns regarding equitable levy funding.
Where and How it’s Done
A study of fire districts in southern Milwaukee County examined three models for enhanced shared services: coordinated support services model, operational consolidation model and full consolidation model.
- In the coordinated support services model, departments remain independent and continue providing fire and EMS services within their boundaries, but would provide joint training, maintenance and fire inspection services.
- In the operational consolidation model, each department maintaining its independent legal status but operate under an “automatic aid agreement.”
- In the full consolidation model, the existing departments are disbanded and a consolidated department created.
Cavaets and Cautions
Although the consolidation or merger might (or might not) make sense on paper, those served by the separate departments might not agree. In June 2011, the city of Bremerton’s fire department, which serves 42,000 people in 23 square miles, dropped plans to merge with South Kitsap, which serves 70,000 people in more than 122 square miles. Consolidation of resources might have resulted in efficiencies, but a citizens’ advisory committee cited concerns about long-term sustainable funding since, the rural district had a lower fire levy rate than the urban one. Rural district residents also said they should have greater representation on the consolidated board.
Action Items
Several studies have examined the pros and cons of consolidating or merging fire protection services. One that looked at fire departments in southern Milwaukee County concluded it could save more than $1 million while enhancing or preserving service levels.
Another study focusing on fire department constituents concluded that identity, service levels, control and resentment were factors that needed addressed.
The City of Port Angeles also conducted a lengthy analysis of its eventual merger with the rural fire district that surrounds the city, concluding it was feasible.