Michigan City Considers Outsourcing Fire Services
TRAVERSE CITY--The city will pursue the possibility of providing its fire services through Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department.
Traverse City commissioners voted 6-1 Monday to ask about joining the emergency services authority that serves nearby Acme, East Bay and Garfield townships. Commissioners Michael Gillman, Jody Bergman and Mayor Michael Estes will form a committee to discuss terms of a potential pact with Metro.
The decision is one of numerous steps, including a possible public vote, the city would undertake should it combine services or eliminate the city's fire department.
Monday's step sparked heated opposition from city fire department supporters, who questioned if commissioners had a personal agenda and praised city firefighters for their professionalism. Several commissioners, however, said they wanted to study the issue and needed to consider city finances. Commissioner Jim Carruthers cast the lone no vote.
"We need to reform our fire department," said Commissioner Mary Ann Moore, citing a responsibility to be "fiscally sound."
The fire department costs the city about $2.6 million, not including pension costs. That represents about 19 percent of the city's total $13.7 million general fund budget for 2012-13. That budget anticipates a $555,525 shortfall, and commissioners want to find ways to reduce the deficit before next year's budget talks.
Residents and city fire department supporters asked commissioners to conduct an independent analysis, similar to a previous police personnel study, and urged the city to hold a public vote on the Metro matter.
"It feels like you've already made your decision," said Carol Tompkins-Parker, who added that dismantling the fire department "is definitely a move in the wrong direction."
Joseph Sloan, of Traverse City, heralded the "absolutely professional" work of city firefighters and said he'd "rather pay increased taxes" than lose the department.
Mike Onthank, president of the city firefighters' local union, called the Metro discussions a "strong-arm tactic."
The recommendation to inquire about Metro fire services came from city Manager Ben Bifoss after he said the union doused a cost-saving plan that included staffing cuts through attrition and the use of part-time workers. The union presented a plan to generate more revenue, in part by providing primary ambulance services.
Bergman said she supported taking the next step because the city needs details about a possible deal with Metro. That "information gathering" is "long overdue," she said.
"(With) the information that I have right now, I would not vote to disband our fire department," Bergman said. "I want all of the information so we can make a proper study."
Copyright 2012 - The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service