TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- Traverse City Commissioners started exploring options to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to fire protection, inlcuding possibly teaming with the county.
After an evening of heated, emotional public comment, commissioners split their vote Monday night 3 to 3 and decided to not explore contracting or merging Traverse City fire duties with Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department.
A standing-room only crowd of firefighters, their families, and community members was at Monday night's meeting, pleading with commissioners to not look at consolidating city and Grand Traverse Metro Fire Services.
Commissioners were divided. Commissioner Mike Gillman proposed the idea, saying he was simply looking at ways to save money.
"We're right sizing everything -- and this is just a department we haven't came to grips with," said Gillman.
But many people who spoke Monday night said having a city fire department is worth the cost.
Commissioners who spoke out in support of this say their simply looking at every cost the city has and what could prove to be a good option to the residents when it comes to fire service. Commissioners against the idea either stressed the importance of the city having it's own fire service or their belief that city voters wouldn't pass this down the road.
