June 19--PINE KNOLL SHORES -- A report has been presented on the feasibility of consolidating two Bogue Banks fire departments but there's no rush to a decision.
During a joint meeting of the town boards for Pine Knoll Shores and Indian Beach, the mayors of each town stressed that they don't want a merger at the expense of service to citizens in their respective towns.
"Our No. 1 priority when we got together was quality of service. We don't want the quality of service to go down," said Pine Knoll Shores Ken Jones.
Jones and Indian Beach Mayor Stu Pickett of Indian Beach began informal discussions last year of the idea of merging the fire departments serving Pine Knoll Shore and Indian Beach/Salter Path.
A feasibility study was conducted by Springsted Inc. out of Richmond, Va., and a presentation on its findings was presented recently by Springsted Senior Vice President John Anzivino.
Anzivino said there are potential cost savings from consolidation, primarily through reduced personnel costs and, over time, equipment costs.
"As you look at the options and quality of service, there are opportunities," he said.
Each town has said it wants to maintain their existing stations. If each were maintained, personnel could be reduced by four position -- one chief and three paid firefighters -- for an estimated initial savings in salary and benefits of $213,300.
While staff could be reduced, it was noted that it could happen through attrition such as retirement or voluntary departure. And the Indian Beach chief's position is currently vacant.
While there are potential savings and efficiencies of service, the towns first have four options to consider.
The report recommends three models for merging.
-- One of the towns could cease operating a fire department and contract with the other town for service. The report doesn't say which town should close down its department.
-- The towns could create a joint agency with authority to run the consolidated department according to an agreement reached by both towns. An independent, nonprofit board could also be formed which both towns would contract with for service.
-- Or the towns could choose not to merge and continue with separate departments.
Both towns are now reviewing the options and have said they hope to decide on an option by Jan. 1.
If a merger is to occur, it would not happen before July 1, 2014.
Contact Daily News reporter Jannette Pippin at 910-382-2557 or [email protected].
Copyright 2013 - The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.
