Consolidation talks continue
Fire departments looking to merge
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LAURIUM - Consolidation of three fire departments in Calumet Township was a topic of discussion during the Laurium Village Council meeting Tuesday evening. Those talks included a draft of the Articles of Incorporation for a Fire Authority Board of Directors.
Laurium Village Manager Ian Lewis, Calumet Township Supervisor Tim Gasperich and Calumet Village Manager Megan Haselden have met several times to discuss consolidating their respective municipal fire departments into a single fire authority.
"All of the managers have essentially agreed to the terms," Lewis said at Tuesday's Laurium meeting.
The three officials also reached an agreement on a tentative rate for a consolidation millage, he said.
"Essentially, what it comes down to is that it would need 1.5 mills," he said.
The millage would be dedicated strictly to operating costs.
Lewis said Laurium has been fortunate in receiving several grants in the past.
"Equipment-wise, we're going to be doing well," he said. "Since it will be an authority, it will have the backing of a general fund initially, so it needs to generate some slush funds for major repairs."
Calumet Township currently has an approved 1.35 millage to fund its fire department and first responders.
"After going through everything and looking at the financials of how they are currently operating," Lewis said," looking at them alone, that 1.3 mills wasn't going to be enough initially."
Lewis said while studying the financials, the three managers discussed two mills, then 1.75, then 1.3, before arriving at 1.5 mills. The millage would be dedicated to the authority's operations, covering vehicle maintenance and repairs. Members will remain volunteers.
Gasperich said there are other considerations to discuss before a final decision on consolidation is made. He said the three managers met last week to discuss details.
"If this all goes through, what would it look like," he said. "When can we get this done?"
At this point, the Articles of Incorporation are 90% complete. Another meeting has been scheduled among the three managers for the first week in August, Gasperich said.
"I think that meeting in early August is for the three managers to meet again and finish discussing it," he said. "Then we'll pick a date for a public hearing."
The public information session will be held to discuss the millage, and building consolidation, potentially using Calumet Township Fire Hall and Laurium Fire Hall is being considered.
"Megan, Ian, and I will get back together, then firm up a date for a public hearing," said Gasperich, "because we want the public to know what's going on."