MANLIUS -- Some Fire Chiefs are voicing concerns over Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney's calls to look into consolidation of local fire departments.
Mahoney says the County is currently spending $28 million a year to equip and operate 57 different fire departments. She is asking the County to take a closer look at consolidation of the fire service as a way to save money.
Mahoney also wants fire departments response times to be made available to the public. Manlius Fire Chief Paul Whorrall says consolidating volunteer fire departments may not be such a good idea. " We have to make sure that we don't make cuts that are going to hurt our community and our insurance. We have a certain amount of equipment at a level that provides a decent insurance rate to our community," he says.
For the first time Manlius, Fayetteville, Minoa and Pompey have hired a consultant to look into consolidation.
