Bristol will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday of area municipalities about a study on fire department efficiencies.
The idea to see how area departments might be able to better use manpower and equipment started with Paris town Chairman Virgil Gentz, said Randy Kerkman, Bristol Village administrator. Kerkman has been leading the process so far.
While all local departments were approached, five municipalities emerged as the most interested: Bristol, Salem, Paris Silver Lake and Somers. Subsequently, Somers withdrew, Kerkman said.
The process of studying efficiencies will begin Tuesday with a meeting between a consultant and representatives of the municipalities at the Bristol Municipal Building, 83rd Street and 198th Avenue, starting at 6 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
While there are four lead departments, Kerkman said others have been invited. Fully participating municipalities will be sharing the cost of the study on a populaton basis.
The study could propose new ways for the departments to staff or deploy equipment, Kerkman said. It could also be key in departments planning for future equipment purchases.
Kerkman said he expected the study, if it goes forward, to be completed by this fall.
