With possible statewide efforts to make municipalities more efficient on the horizon, city and county officials are discussing ways to streamline local emergency services.
The Commission on Local Government Efficiency, formed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer, released Thursday a list of suggestions on ways to reduce local government entities around New York State. Two of the 150 initiatives targeted Cayuga County, including one to explore the creation of a unified fire authority.
The preliminary list was gathered from local officials. The commission's own recommendations should be issued by April 15, 2008.
While talks about any policy changes are in their very earliest stages, Cayuga County residents may see future changes in their fire departments.
Auburn fire chief Mike Hammon said he is “excited” to see if area fire departments can work together to offer a better, less costly service.
The big question is how that will be done.
Hammon and other fire chiefs from around the county recently met with a representative from New York's fire prevention office to discuss possible plans. One of those plans includes applying for a state grant to fund a study investigating ways departments can to pool their resources.
“Everyone has some apprehension,” said Hammon, who added that municipal departments may not want to be “swallowed up in a takeover” as a result of consolidation.
Weedsport Fire Chief Tom Winslow said he does not know what effect, if any, changes could have on his department, since no solid proposal has been brought to the table.
“I'm keeping an open mind until I have all the background on it,” Winslow said.
Cayuga County Legislature Chairman George Fearon said that the “paramount thing” in any plans to consolidate fire services must be public safety.
The Commission on Local Government Efficiency also suggested the consolidation of water and sewer services for Cayuga County. Though Fearon was not able to comment on possible effects of such changes, he noted that the county and its municipalities “always needs to look at ways to be more efficient.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
The preliminary list was gathered from local officials. The commission's own recommendations should be issued by April 15, 2008.
While talks about any policy changes are in their very earliest stages, Cayuga County residents may see future changes in their fire departments.
Auburn fire chief Mike Hammon said he is “excited” to see if area fire departments can work together to offer a better, less costly service.
The big question is how that will be done.
Hammon and other fire chiefs from around the county recently met with a representative from New York's fire prevention office to discuss possible plans. One of those plans includes applying for a state grant to fund a study investigating ways departments can to pool their resources.
“Everyone has some apprehension,” said Hammon, who added that municipal departments may not want to be “swallowed up in a takeover” as a result of consolidation.
Weedsport Fire Chief Tom Winslow said he does not know what effect, if any, changes could have on his department, since no solid proposal has been brought to the table.
“I'm keeping an open mind until I have all the background on it,” Winslow said.
Cayuga County Legislature Chairman George Fearon said that the “paramount thing” in any plans to consolidate fire services must be public safety.
The Commission on Local Government Efficiency also suggested the consolidation of water and sewer services for Cayuga County. Though Fearon was not able to comment on possible effects of such changes, he noted that the county and its municipalities “always needs to look at ways to be more efficient.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
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