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Volunteer chiefs warn consolidation could displace unpaid departments
Summary
Leaders of volunteer fire departments asked how a consolidated district would affect all-volunteer units, whether they would be absorbed or displaced, and how existing ALS services and local constituencies would be preserved; they urged a careful study.
Representatives of volunteer fire departments raised concerns about how consolidation into a single district would affect unpaid departments and local constituencies.
Brian Mason, who identified himself as the Weintouch fire chief and said his department is "the only all volunteer department" in the county, asked pointedly whether the district would absorb or force out volunteer units and how ALS services provided by volunteers would be preserved. He said, "Are y'all gonna just kinda force us out? Are you all gonna absorb us in?" and urged careful answers before any structural changes are advanced.
Several chiefs and trustees responded that technical planning, a GIS study and fiscal analysis are needed to determine how volunteer units would fit into any combined structure and to preserve service levels in rural areas.
