Dalton, Whitfield study joint fire service

DALTON, Ga. -- A pile of maps and paperwork covers the rectangular table in Dalton Fire Chief Bruce Satterfield's conference room.

It's part of a study to decide whether it's a good idea to consolidate the Dalton and Whitfield County fire departments.

"The logical and intelligent way to go about this is to get a consultant to make its recommendations," Chief Satterfield said. "To make a decision very hastily would be wrong."

Dalton and Whitfield County officials have agreed to split the $10,000 cost to hire Atlanta consulting firm Mizzelle, Hodges and Associates to conduct the study.

The consultants will look at a wide range of criteria, from training techniques and staffing to checking the pumps and hoses, Chief Satterfield said.

After three months, the firm is expected to give an assessment of both departments.

"We will then start making recommendations on what is feasible and what is not," he said.

Right now, Whitfield County Commission Chairman Mike Babb said he's leaning toward keeping the departments separate.

"I'm thinking we'll be looking at how we can increase our efficiencies with the fire departments we have," Mr. Babb said. "But (we'll) wait for the report to come back."

The study is about more than just a merger, Chief Satterfield said.

"It's about information, it's about options, it's about looking into other ways to give a better service to the public," he said.

Consolidating the fire services is part of Dalton Mayor David Pennington's plan to continue merging several city and county departments. The building inspection, enforcement and planning departments were consolidated last year.

"We're looking at more efficient services," Mr. Pennington said.

But officials say the city and county fire services operate differently and a quick decision could harm employees and residents.

For instance, a study last year said it would cost the county $9 million to equalize personnel and salaries with the city, Chief Satterfield said.

The city department mans five stations with 87 full-time personnel and a budget of $6.8 million. The county operates 10 stations with about 60 employees and 80 volunteers on a $4.5 million budget.

The city's ISO rating -- a measure of fire protection quality -- is 2, with 1 being the best. The county's rating is 5, Chief Satterfield said. ISO ratings are among the criteria insurance companies use to set rates.