Four Broward cities to talk fire department consolidation

Dec. 23--Leaders in Coral Springs, Margate, Parkland and Coconut Creek are considering merging their fire departments into one regional service.

City managers and fire chiefs in all four towns are scheduled to discuss the possibility in January.

A state bill creating a taxing district to fund the new project was to be considered in the upcoming legislative session. But the bill is expected to fade away because Coral Springs and Coconut Creek didn't want to immediately proceed, saying in part they didn't have time and wanted more questions answered.

Advocates said a regional department could cut costs by eliminating duplication on the management level. Opponents said they like the departments' individual identities.

Parkland Mayor Michael Udine said the idea is worth considering. "If there's a way to provide better coverage at a less expensive cost, it's something I'd be interested in for the benefit of our residents."

Brian Powell, executive vice president of the fire union of 11 cities including the four now in discussion, said all residents want is better service. "I could be wearing a pink tutu, they don't care," he told Margate commissioners, arguing that residents don't care what colors firefighters wear.

The Coral Springs department currently provides emergency services to Parkland. And Margate's department contracts with Coconut Creek to provide their fire and paramedic service. The proposal could eliminate redundancy and possibly save money.

In the two departments that serve four cities, there are three fire chiefs, three fire prevention bureaus and two separate training divisions, Powell said.

"And we don't provide a closest unit response, meaning a resident in Coral Springs can be shopping in Margate and the Springs unit across the street would have no idea somebody was having a medical emergency," Powell said. "The 911 call would go to Margate, their closest unit -- not the closest unit to the call."

Taxpayers potentially could save money because a merger would reduce the workforce, he said. "We believe [that can happen] through attrition and as people retire," Powell said.

But, some stations could be consolidated and more available firefighters could mean taxpayers have to shell out less overtime pay, Powell said.

Coral Springs Mayor Roy Gold wants his city to have more voting power in any partnership because it's much bigger than the others.

Gold has proposed that Coral Springs take over the contract with the other three cities, which would accomplish the same thing. "It's important we maintain as much control as possible," he said.

But Margate Mayor Pam Donovan said one city shouldn't have more control than the others in a partnership. "I'm in favor of a regional department," she said. "Some of these elected officials have to check their egos at the door and do what's best for the residents. It's not about being in charge. It's about offering the best service. They should be on top because theirs is the biggest city? That's ridiculous."

Coral Springs City Manager Erdal Donmez said the city has spent millions of dollars upgrading equipment and building new fire stations.

"There has to be a crystal-clear benefit before creating this district and cost savings while maintaining service levels. Until then, it's simply a consideration," Donmez said.

lhuriash@tribune.com or 954-572-2008

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