Selectmen Look Into Joint Fire Department [POLL]

Since 2008 The Hopkinton and Ashland Fire Departments have been discussing the possibility of merging

Last night the Hopkinton approved a grant request to help with the final phase of research in building a plan.

“When this grant opportunity came up, we felt it was necessary so the two towns could complete the research,” Town Manager Norman Khumalo said.

Members of the board asked Khumalo and questions about what a potential merger would mean in terms of response time and personnel.

“I can assure the board and the residents that in the two towns we have made it clear we will only pursue collaborative efforts that enhance services,” Khumalo said.

Selectmen Michelle Gates had several concerns about the merger. She said she felt regionalization of the departments would complicate the governance structure, and could lead to other negative consequences.

“I have a great concern with the two towns working together,” Gates said.

To her point, Chairman Todd Cestari understood the concern, but felt the study was important to help see how plausible the merger would be.

“There is certainly recognition that if this were to ever happen it is not an easy process,” Cestari said.

A concern was also raised that merging the two towns, would mean there would be a need for a centralized station, potentially effecting response times negatively.

However Clark said that in his discussions there has been no mention of that, only talk about adding a sub-station near the border of the two towns which may be necessary as the Legacy Farm project comes online anyway.

At the end of the meeting the measure was passed 3-1, with Gates voting against it and selectmen Benjamin Palleiko not being present.