Staff Writers
New Hanover County Commissioners and Wilmington City Council offered mixed responses to presentations of a study exploring the feasibility of consolidating the city and county fire departments during Nov. 17 and 18 meetings, respectively.
The report, compiled by Emergency Services Consulting International, was presented by senior vice president Kent Greene. He stated both departments perform at a high level, and noted the departments already work together to: provide the quickest service possible through mutual aid agreements, train and enforce code compliance and fire-prevention practices. But he said the departments could cut costs and provide better service, especially in areas around city limits, by cooperating or consolidating.
County commissioners responded to the presentation with support. Chairman Woody White expressed confidence in the potential for financial savings and better service under a full merger of both departments, while Vice Chair Beth Dawson said she favors following a more flexible process similar to the one followed to merge county health and social services departments.
Commissioner Jonathan Barfield Jr. called the pursuit of collaboration “low-hanging fruit” for the city and county in a greater effort to provide better services to residents.
City council responded more cautiously. It questioned the cost to city residents of a full, legal merger — a cost Greene said could be as high as $3.3 million over time if county staffing levels were elevated to city standards.
Councilman Kevin O’Grady expressed doubts about covering that cost.
“We have harped on the county commissioners that as they urbanize they are not putting in the necessary services,” he said. “This is a way to spread the costs to city residents.”
Commissioner Thomas Wolfe also questioned the $3.3 million cost, which Greene said would cover salaries and benefits of added employees.
“That’s minimal,” Greene said. “And that’s assuming an equalization of the staff level across all apparatus.” The county currently cross-staffs to man its apparatus, he added.
A special fire service tax applied to city residents provides revenue for the city fire department, while the cost of the county’s fire services are covered by the county’s general operating fund.
Greene noted the difference in his explanation of the disadvantages. He said city and county officials will have to carefully consider funding possibilities if they choose to pursue cooperation or consolidation.
Reconciling the different funding mechanisms is one of many concerns Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo said he has that still need to be addressed.
“A major concern I have is that everyone pays the same across the board,” Saffo said. “It sounds like a really good idea, but there are a lot of concerns we have and we need to know how this thing is going to be paid for.”
Greene detailed two scenarios during his presentation that would allow both departments to remain distinct legal entities while sharing service responsibilities, equipment maintenance and purchases, administrative and support services, and training opportunities.
Surveys disseminated to city and county fire department staff members suggest they are open to continue exploring collaborative opportunities. More city fire staff completed the survey than county fire staff, with a total participation rate shy of 50 percent. Of those participating, 74 percent were open to further collaboration.
Dawson recalled citizen concern voiced during two Oct. 29 public input meetings and requested additional opportunities for public participation as the city and county continue to consider consolidation.
County commissioners granted permission for county staff to organize a joint meeting with city council early in 2015 to further discuss opportunities for collaboration or consolidation.
email [email protected]
