TRUMBULL COUNTY Girard, Liberty Twp. officials discuss a joint fire district

Girard and Liberty Township are looking to cut costs.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Liberty Township and Girard officials agree their fire departments should be consolidated, but the issue must be placed on the ballot in both communities.
The creation of a joint fire district to save money was discussed Wednesday by Liberty Township Administrator Patrick J. Ungaro and Girard Mayor James J. Melfi.
They are both looking at consolidation as a cost-cutting measure.
"These things are new. We're treading on new territory," Ungaro said after the two-hour meeting.
Melfi said creation of a joint district is the "most progressive way to reduce costs and provide service."
Recommended by auditor
Ungaro pointed out the state auditor has recommended that the township look at consolidation as a way to reduce projected deficits. This not only includes fire protection, but emergency dispatching as well.
Melfi is looking at the possibility of a joint district because Girard continues to remain in state-imposed fiscal emergency after three years and has a $1.6 million accumulated general-fund deficit despite cost-cutting.
Regardless of their decision, Ungaro stressed, the issue remains with the voters of both communities.
"The people will have the final say, and that's the way it should be," the administrator said.
Ungaro characterized the meeting as productive.
Melfi said he and Ungaro will continue to gather information about how best to go about merger, including getting legal advice from the county prosecutor and current fire districts.
In Mahoning County, the Western Reserve Fire District is made up of the village of Poland and Poland Township, and the Canfield Joint Fire District joins the city of Canfield and Canfield Township.
Firefighters' situation
Melfi has halted overtime spending in Girard's fire department because it has outspent the budgeted amount for this year.
As a result, there are occasions where two firefighters per shift are on duty. The contract between the city and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1220 has a manning clause that calls for three firefighters on duty per shift.
This has resulted in a number of grievances filed by union members against the city. They remain unresolved.
Melfi has said that if the city needs added firefighters at an emergency, it will seek mutual aid from Liberty.
Ungaro said that such assistance will be available to the city.
"If a house is on fire and people need help, we're available and we'll help," Ungaro said.
yovich@vindy.com