Miamisburg, Ohio -  Sept. 1, 2011:  At a joint meeting last night, the Miamisburg City Council and Miami Township Board of Trustees agreed to merge their fire departments and create the new Miami Valley Joint Fire District to serve both communities. 

Miami Township and the City of Miamisburg have been studying the concept of a joint fire district the last several years.  This process was initiated in response to calls by state legislators for local governments to actively seek opportunities for shared services in order to be more cost-effective.  A jointly appointed Interim Fire Commission, a committee of citizens chaired by retired Dayton Fire Chief Glenn Alexander, has worked closely with City and Township administrators and the two fire chiefs to lead the study effort.

At last night?s meeting, elected officials from both jurisdictions praised the work of the Interim Fire Commission and said formation of the fire district would provide long-term cost controls.  They also emphasized throughout the study process that the quality of fire and emergency medical service provided to the public must not be compromised by a merger.

?This was an historic meeting that will have long-term effects for our community,? Miamisburg Mayor Dick Church, Jr. said.  ?It?s clear that we have to find ways to bring down the cost of local government, and this fire district is going to help the City and Miami Township be more efficient in providing fire and emergency medical services.?

Said Miami Township Trustees President Charles Lewis: ?I am very encouraged to know that we are combining two capable and talented departments, rich in individual tradition.  As they move forward together, I expect nothing but a continued level of excellence  that will serve as an example for this region and our state.?

Formation of the Miami Valley Joint Fire District will officially take place on an undetermined date after March 1, 2012.  A District fire chief will be hired by a newly established Board of Fire District Trustees to oversee day-to-day operations.

The new biennial budget adopted this summer by the State of Ohio included significant cuts that affect local governments.  In attendance at last night?s meeting was Sandra Brasington, a representative of Ohio Gov. John Kasich.  After the legislation was adopted, she spoke publicly to commend both jurisdictions on their commitment to shared services and cooperative government.

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