Approach to Cooperation in Fire Protection Services. Missabe Intergovernmental Project.

摘要

This 1977fire protection study,part of the Missabe Intergovernmental Project,dealt with alternatives for improving productivity in municipal services,and considered alternatives for improving the delivery of fire services to two small communities in northeastern Minnesota -- Eveleth and Virginia. The study committee originally included official representatives from the Gilbert and Mountain Iron fire departments who withdrew when it appeared that joint efforts might threaten the autonomy of local fire departments. Representatives from the Mountain Iron department attended committee meetings as observers. Data on the personnel,operations,costs,and needs of the two fire departments are reported,and alternatives for improving services are discussed. The consolidation of communications,the development of a centralized brush and grass fire unit, a centralized administration,and a fully consolidated fire department were the alternatives considered. Implementation of a combined high frequency communications system was recommended,and it was decided that if the city councils dealt with this recommendation favorably,there could be future attempts to centralize other segments of fire protection service or consolidate the two departments. Since the city councils of Virginia, Eveleth,and Gilbert had already rejected a study committee's recommendation for complete consolidation of police departments,acceptance of the consolidation of fire services was not likely. While the outcome recommendations are not innovative,it is believed that the planning process,the organization of the study,and the difficulties encountered can be helpful to other communities undertaking similar studies. Data derived from the study are included.