-
The White County Board of Commissioners and Cleveland City Council will consider consolidating fire protection services.
The White County Board of Commissioners and Cleveland City Council will consider consolidating fire protection services.
Both governments at their June 7 meetings approved entering into the discussions. County Chairman Travis Turner said he sees a chance to incorporate the Cleveland fire station as one of the county’s stations, with additional personnel and resources.
“The ability to disburse fire and emergency personnel from the city of Cleveland will enhance our capability to serve Cleveland and half of White County due to its proximity to major roads (U.S. 129 and Ga. 115),” Turner said.
The county currently operates seven fire stations. The hope is to create a more efficient and cost-effective method to serve all residents through sharing resources.
“Let’s run the numbers. Let’s see financially if this is going to be a win-win, but at the end of the day are we giving an enhanced services to not only the city of Cleveland but to our citizens of White County.”
The county and Cleveland already offering firefighting assistance to each other through a mutual aid agreement. Mayor Josh Turner said he was thankful for the ongoing cooperation between the departments.
“We are exploring this consolidation with public safety being the top priority and continuing a high-level a professional service that the city and county fire personnel currently provide,” he said. “There will be ample opportunity for the public to provide input and share concerns throughout this process, including a public hearing.”
Travis Turner said the review and negotiations could wrap up by fall, so as not to drag out the issue. If a deal is reached, implementation of any new fire services arrangement would likely begin July 1, 2022 at the start of the county’s fiscal year.
“We should know, I hope, in the next couple of months if this is an opportunity that’s going to work out, in fairness to everyone,” Turner said.
In a joint statement, the city and county said they have worked diligently to provide the highest standard of fire protection to the citizens and businesses.
“Direct improvements such as increasing the number of full-time fire fighters, investment in the water system, and increased training and certification of personnel have resulted in the improvement of both the city and county ISO rating,” the statement read.