Excerpts from the desplainesvalleynews.com:

Summit is considering consolidating its fire and emergency services with the Village of Bedford Park, a move that officials said would improve service and save taxpayers up to $200,000 per year while maintaining the same level of service.

The move is scheduled to be discussed at the Summit Village Board meeting on Monday. 

Mayor Sergio Rodriguez praised the 40 part-time firefighters who work for the Summit Fire Department, but said the cost of maintaining the aging fleet costs taxpayers more than $50,000 each year in maintenance and repairs. Summit is facing a major equipment expense of more than $740,000 to purchase a new truck, gear, and air packs.

Rodriguez added that government consolidation has proved effective in dozens of communities facing mounting costs but has resulted in improved and enhanced services. Willow Springs in the fall of 2013 disbanded its part-time fire department and joined the Tri-State Fire Protection District, which immediately took over the Willow Springs fire station. Justice did something similar when it joined the Roberts Park Fire Protection District.

He said the village had done its part in the past several years to cut costs by going to a part-time chief that saved more than $100,000 annually, but even with that the cost of running the department has continued to increase.

“The cost of new equipment, a fire truck, and ambulance would be the responsibility of Bedford Park. These savings would be used to address the village’s aging infrastructure, encourage economic development and bolster the village’s cash reserves,” Rodriguez said.

“There would still be full-time paramedics housed at all times at the Summit Fire Station, and they will have the full support of the Bedford Park Fire Department. This combining of resources will also benefit Bedford Park, as they will be adding an additional ambulance to the fleet and would be available to serve their community as well.”

Rodriguez said combining fire services would have minimal effect on the majority of the firefighters who have other full-time jobs.

Bedford Park would hire six new firefighter/paramedics if the deal is approved. The village said it would see a net profit of about $200,000 per year from the deal. The Bedford Park Fire Station closest to Summit is at Roberts Road and Archer Avenue.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the village board meeting room at the Summit Police Department at 5810 S. Archer Road.

thanks Dennis

Tags: Bedford Park Fire Department, Summit Fire Department, towns consider consolidating fire departments