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Darke County Commissioner Mike Stegall
Is Now the Time?
Several months ago at my “Coffee with the Commissioner” gathering at
New Madison, I mentioned that someday I thought Darke County would have
to take a look at going to a joint Fire district, and then maybe a
joint EMS district, or both.
This was me just thinking out loud in light of the current and future
economic conditions. Believe it or not, we elected officials do
think once in a while!
I indicated that I would like to put a committee together to look at
the project. I received some pretty strong negative opinions from
several people who thought I wanted to undo what we have now, put
people out of work, endanger lives, burn villages, and destroy
civilization as we know it! The oddest comment was “Who would
control this district?” Several people seemed to think this was a
“Commissioner’s Power trip” or something!
I have now been watching with interest the recommendations from the
committee that Greenville put together to help find solutions to their
budget problems. One recommendation that intrigued me was the
recommendation of looking at a joint fire district with Greenville
Township. I was one of the trustee’s in 2008, and we proposed
that idea to the City first, and then to the Township Trustees
Association. Let’s just say it received a very cool reception from both
at the time! (Ask George Luce Jr.!).
Now, 4 years later, it may be a more receptive idea. As I have
kept up with the city’s proceedings, it made me wonder “Is now the
time?” Is now when we should at least look at the possibility of
a Countywide service? Times have changed.
One thing for certain is that dollars are going to continue to shrink,
and protecting the citizens will always be the first priority, even
with the shrinking budgets. It is going to be a tough balancing
act for all government entities to follow.
For this reason, I wonder if we shouldn’t have the discussion about a
Countywide fire district, or Rescue District, or both? I do
not know if Greenville Township and the City of Greenville will
continue to look at this option. I hope they do, and I
think the trustees would be interested. If they do, it
could give some insight into how it may, or may not work.
Shouldn’t the rest of the County at least look at the
possibility? Maybe we should all work together on this. I
think a committee made up of two citizens, the Rescue Squad Association
president, The Firemen’s Association president, the head of the Mayor’s
Association, the head of the Township Trustee’s Association, one
Commissioner, and two Business owners give it a look. This seems like a
good mix of all the concerned entities in the County.
This committee of nine people would look at every option, and make a
recommendation. I think this mix of people has what every
committee should have: A diversity of opinions. Committees, in
order to work correctly, need strong people willing to take some heat
for looking into such a sensitive area. Trust me, this is a
sensitive area!
It is my opinion, however, that government should always try to spend
the taxpayer dollars as efficiently as possible, and that always
includes looking at every option available. That is what we are
supposed to do no matter how much some people complain about their “Ox
getting gored” as the saying goes.
Some options will make some people angry (like this one!), some will
seem extreme, some will seem sensible, but it is important to look at
all of them to make sure you are doing the best you can with the
people’s money and security. With dollars tighter, we must look
at all the possibilities? What could it hurt?
I have not talked to anyone on the city’s committee, so I don’t know if
they have any information on Joint Districts? I have no idea how
one would work for us, but it is done other places, why not here?
Our firefighters and rescue people do an incredible job now. No
arguing that. I do not want to put anyone out of a position of
power, or out of work, or in danger. I am sure though that things
would have to change somewhat.
I never want Darke County to fall into the trap that most politicians
and others fall into and that is: “We have always done it this
way!” One question should always be asked every day: Can we
do better? Can dollars be spent more wisely? Can the people
be served more efficiently? Is a Joint District more cost
effective? Would it be more expensive? I don’t know the answer to
these questions, but I am willing to at least look into it, aren’t you?
Respectfully submitted, Mike Stegall, Darke County Commissioner
P.S. Let me know your thoughts on this subject, pro and
con. The phone number at the Commissioner’s office is
-547-7370. My Cell number is 459-9555 and you can e-mail me
anytime at mstegall@co.darke.oh.us
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