Huron County Council has approved a motion that Huron and Perth County do not amalgamate emergency medical services.
The Committee of the Whole felt the costs to taxpayers would go up with no significant benefits in service.
They also agreed the process was still beneficial and that the two counties could share many services, without a full amalgamation.
“We looked carefully at a merger from all angles and at this time there is no compelling justification to amalgamate given the anticipated increased cost to the taxpayer,” says Brenda Orchard, CAO of Huron County. “I am satisfied with our analysis and our recommendation to council is that no further action be taken on the proposal at this time.”
The work group looking at the proposed merger presented their report today. They will present their report to Perth County Council tomorrow.
“Even though our analysis didn’t show a net benefit to merging, it was a worthwhile exercise,” says Linda Rockwood, chief of Perth County EMS and acting CAO. “We identified several opportunities for partnerships and sharing of services that will achieve efficiencies and cost savings for both departments.”