The release of an October report recommending consolidation of city and county fire departments set the wheels in motion for officials to weigh potential benefits of a merger and propose a plan for moving forward.
The process is expected to unfold slowly, giving involved parties enough time to carefully consider all possible advantages and disadvantages.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue Chief Donnie Hall and Wilmington Fire Department Chief Buddy Martinette both said consolidation would further existing cooperation between the departments.
“There’s a lot of stuff we do well together. Both departments are very well-operated organizations,” Hall said. “This isn’t a result of there being a problem somewhere. We’re just trying to provide the best service for the communities.”
Martinette said the needs of New Hanover County residents will continue to be the top priority regardless of any decisions made to consolidate the departments.
“It doesn’t really matter where you pay your taxes if you are having a heart attack or your house is on fire. We have a professional obligation in this county to take care of everyone. … As long as we keep our eye on what is best for the citizens, we are going to make good decisions,” Martinette said.
Wrightsville Beach Fire Department Captain Adam Brown said consolidation of the city and county fire departments is unlikely to jeopardize Wrightsville Beach’s partnership with both departments.
“Whatever name is on the side of the fire truck going across the bridge if we request extra help or equipment, whatever entity is coming over and helping us out, is fine,” Brown said.
Members of the public and staff at both departments are invited to learn more and share concerns. Two public meetings are scheduled for Oct. 29, and a survey created by Hall and Martinette will be distributed among both departments to gauge the perspective of city and county fire services staff.
“They’re the ones on the street delivering the service. The most important resource we have, in both fire departments, is the people,” Hall said.
Both fire chiefs noted any decision will ultimately be made by elected officials. Survey results will be sent to the New Hanover County Commissioners and Wilmington City Council to consider before both boards hear presentations from the consultant during Nov. 17 and 18 meetings, respectively.
The report, completed by Emergency Services Consulting International, was funded through a joint effort by both boards. County manager Chris Coudriet initiated the process in July 2013 after city and county officials publicly supported investigation of opportunities to find efficiencies and consolidate overlapping services.
New Hanover County Commission Vice Chair Beth Dawson said she would support consolidation only if it provided savings while delivering the same or better services to residents. She declined to make any comments until she saw results of staff surveys and heard from the consultant.
“I’ll take a look and listen, but I’m going to need to see a lot of benefit,” she said.
Wilmington City Councilman Charlie Rivenbark also said he would support consolidation if it yielded savings and efficiency. He listed the merge of city and county water and sewer services to form the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in 2008, which he said was initially controversial but ultimately successful.
Rivenbark said he has talked with Martinette to better understand how consolidation might affect operations and service provided to city residents, and he supports measured steps forward.
“I think what you need is a good plan, and you need to cover all the bases and cover all the little things that could go wrong,” Rivenbark said.
Coudriet said city and county officials will have a few months to think about the report and employee surveys before meeting together early in 2015 to discuss the next steps.
Citizens are invited to learn more about the report and share concerns during two Oct. 29 public meetings in the Halyburton Park meeting room at 2 p.m. and the New Hanover County Government Center at 6 p.m.
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