TRUMBULL COUNTY Will centers consolidate?

Formation of the committee was suggested by the mayor of Girard.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- A four-person committee will be formed to look at the possibility of combining Girard and Liberty Township's emergency dispatching centers.
The formation of the committee -- a police and fire representative from each community -- was approved by Girard Mayor James J. Melfi and Liberty Township Trustee Jack Simon.
The agreement developed during a Monday meeting involving elected officials from each community. They explored merging police and fire services, including dispatching.
"We came with an open mind," Melfi said.
Trustee W. Gary Litch called for the session.
Trustee Jodi Stoyak pointed out that it's only natural to look at increasing services at a reduced cost.
Reason for meeting
The meeting was called because Girard is in state-imposed fiscal emergency, and the state auditor's office has recommended numerous measures be taken by the township to reduce costs.
Melfi recommended the committee's formation. It will collect data and discuss possible merger of dispatching.
No timetable was given for the committee to do its work.
Simon said meetings between the communities shouldn't be restricted to safety forces.
He said the combined communities have a total population of 24,000.
They should be looking at negotiating lower electric and cable television rates. Time-Warner Cable services both communities.
Simon and Melfi noted that the communities have been working together on extending waterlines and on sewer projects.
Fire departments' agreements
Liberty Fire Chief Michael Durkin said Liberty and Girard have mutual-aid agreements between fire departments.
Township Police Chief Anthony Slifka said that area law enforcement agencies have worked together, including sharing human resources.
Slifka said residents have to understand that if there are any decisions to merger, residents must understand there will be no loss of services.
At the same time, the police chief added, people want to be able to call for help during an emergency and have someone stay on the phone until that help arrives.
"Nobody wants to give up their turf," said Patrick Durina, a former township trustee.
Durina questioned who will be in charge if the police and fire services merge.
Melfi said it's too early to talk about merging police and fire personnel.
Township Administrator Patrick J. Ungaro said it's significant that the two communities are getting together, especially since voters have been rejecting levies more frequently.
yovich@vindy.com