Future of Canton Fire Department in question

CANTON, Ga. - A decision is expected this week on the future of the Canton Fire Department. City council members will vote on the issue Thursday.

Many residents who spoke with FOX 5 News said they had no idea a plan was on the table to consolidate fire and emergency services with the county. The city manager said there are a number of reasons why they are contemplating the plan, among them, money. Consolidation has been considered since the 1990's, but now city leaders believe it would benefit taxpayers.

“They’re not eliminating any stations as part of this. They would be staffing those stations with our resources. So based on this agreement, effective January 1, those employees that we have in our fire services will become employees of Cherokee County. They’ll operate our same equipment, same stations,” said Billy Peppers, Canton City Manager

Peppers said it has gotten to the point where the cost of fire services is more expensive than those offered by the county. He reassures the community there would not be a change in response times and no jobs will be lost. Peppers said this move will save canton residents millions in the long run.

“We will be able to save the taxpayers about $6 million over the next six years by consolidating service because we're not duplicating the construction of stations. We're not duplicating the purchase of equipment. We're serving the same public with one fire district,” said Peppers.

The city council is set to review this plan Thursday night at 6 p.m. There is a possibility they could vote on it the same night. Any resident who wishes to be heard can participate in the public comment period before the meeting.