The Milton City Council approves a “functional merger” for the Milton and Janesville fire departments.
The addendum to the intergovernmental agreement doesn’t formally merge the two departments, but it gives fire chief Ernie Rhodes more decision-making authority over the departments and combines many services.
Rhodes said it will help them better share common resources and administrative functions while eliminating some of the redundant tasks conducted by both fire departments.
Council member Bill Wilson called it “a step toward” a complete merger, but the joint fire commission is still exploring the costs and feasibility of that potential transition.
The full consolidation would likely require a referendum, which might not be on the ballot until 2022.
