Do You Support a Shaker-University Heights Fire Consolidation?
Vote in our poll regarding developments in the plan to consolidate the cities' fire departments
The cities of Shaker Heights and University Heights have agreed on a plan to consolidate their fire departments into one unit.
Any decision must be presented to the public and voted on by city councils, but plans appear to be moving quickly now that Emergency Services Consulting International has declared the consolidation a feasible way to save a combined $750,000 per year while maintaining services.
The plan would not include any layoffs.
City Council members, fire personnel and union leaders have all chimed in on the very possible move, but what's your opinion? Vote in our poll below and be sure to leave any additional thoughts in the comments section.
For more information on the potentially consolidated fire department, follow Shaker Heights Patch on Twitter and Facebook.
C. Minot
10:06 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
This is a bold move by both cities that makes a lot of sense. As long as nobody loses their jobs, I am 100% behind the change. I do question why Cleveland Heights was not included in this study. It even makes more sense to merge all 3 departments. Hopefully, CHFD will be asked to the dance.
Brandon Baker
11:04 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
Interesting you mention that, C. Minot. Back when the cities obtained study funding from the Cleveland Foundation, the CH mayor told the Sun News he was disappointed about not being included in this.
C. Minot
1:39 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
Brandon...why they would have left Cleveland Hts. out is concerning. They all share a mutual dispatch center located in Cleveland Hts. It makes no sense to leave CH fire out of the mix, it doesn't seem that they are doing their due diligence. If 2 cities can save $750,000.00, how much could be saved if 3 cities were involved? I am sure politics is the reason but isn't it about what is best for the residents and not for you, the poliician, owning/controlling your own turf? I think it was very short sighted for UH and SH not to include CH.
UH Resident
1:44 pm on Saturday, October 20, 2012
I think this is a great idea and I'm happy to see the cities are moving forward with it. Definitely a model for the rest of the region.
And actually I would like to see these two cities talk about a full merger somewhere down the line.
Phil Gauer
3:08 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
There is a reason why there are no mergers in Northeast Ohio. Not that there has not been other studies. When you use bad information and develop a study that is wrong or do not involve the people that actually are effected, there will aways be a negative outcome and cause more problems and cost than what was suppose to provide a better service and maybe save some money