Sign off on fire district merger

THE NEWS TRIBUNE

Published: 08/07/08 1:00 am

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Fire district mergers are gaining in popularity, and it’s little wonder why.

Mergers help districts make the most of taxpayer dollars. A consolidated fire department needs fewer managers, freeing up money to hire firefighters and paramedics and keep them well-trained.

Deeper ranks help keep overtime costs down and allow the district to staff stations at more consistent levels. That means faster response times when it matters most.

For exactly those reasons, The News Tribune recommends voters in Pierce County Fire District 15 near Eatonville approve the proposed merger with neighboring Fire District 17 in Roy.

The two have operated as one since last year when Fire District 15 Chief Dennis Shafe retired. The combined district serves about 28,000 people.

Finalizing the merger will not increase tax rates, but it will help make better use of the taxes district residents are already paying.

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