KENT COUNTY, Mich. — City leaders from Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming will meet July 18th.
They plan to discuss a newly completed study that highlights the feasibility of forming regional police and fire services for the three cities. The meeting will take place at Wyoming City Hall at 7 p.m.
Deputy city manager Eric DeLong said the idea came up two years ago. That’s when phase one began, and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) began its study.
DeLong said, “The reports… we’re asking ICMA to look at this to see if there are any potential benefits, and if the reports show that there are, then they may be worth pursuing.”
The reports being discussed July 18th represent phase II of the study.
Grand Rapids Firefighters Local 366 president Joe Dubay said, “Consolidation can work if it’s done correctly.”
However, Dubay said all voices need to be at the table.
“There’s some cost savings, but it’s more of an idea of coverage and protections for the citizens,” he added.
DeLong said, it’s too early to tell what the reports findings are.
Follow Darren Cunningham on Twitter @darrenfox17
