Another possible merger is in the works in Huron and Perth counties -- this time it's the Emergency Services departments.
The Councils of Huron and Perth counties have directed senior administrators to develop a business case, exploring efficiencies that could be created by operating an amalgamated Emergency Services Department, which includes EMS and Emergency Management.
A working group of senior administrators and Councillors from the two counties will be set up to develop a business case which will then be presented to both county councils for consideration.
Items for analysis will include sharing technology and operating systems, governance, response times, managing a combined vehicle fleet, as well as the administrative and reporting requirements of a single department. Perth County CAO Bill Arthur stated, "We are committed to maintaining our levels of service to the County, Stratford and St Marys. County Council have said that we owe it to our taxpayers to fully investigate this potential merger. We look forward to working with Huron County to achieve the best and most efficient service for both counties.”
Huron County CAO Brenda Orchard added, "Delivering effective public services as efficiently as possible is what our rate payers expect from us. A business case analysis will reveal if operating a unified department is in the best interests of both counties."