FeedsPlymouth open to fire talks
While elected officials in the City of Plymouth want to pursue a regionalized solution to public safety, Plymouth Township trustees prefer a parallel approach.
Township officials during their meeting on Tuesday, agreed to join the table of elected leaders from Plymouth and Northville Township examining the feasibility of joint fire operations. The meeting will take place in January.
The township will also simultaneously work with the city to negotiate a multi-year contract to provide firefighters for both Plymouth area municipalities.
“I think it’s best if we go on parallel paths,” said Township Supervisor Richard Reaume. He said regionalized fire coverage is worth considering, but those types of deals take years to complete. “It won’t happen overnight,” he said.
Trustee Bob Doroshewitz said he believes the township should participate in the discussions, but the other parties involved must assure the benefits and pricing is equal for all partners.
“Service levels and financial levels have to be even,” he said.
The board of trustees also decided Tuesday night not to approve the joint 911 dispatch operations agreement with the city. Several trustees became wary of the deal, citing concerns about suspect transfers and requested up to 60 days to work it out.
Under the agreement, which was to take effect on Jan 1, Plymouth suspects will be processed and taken to Wayne County Jail by Plymouth Township officers. Trustees are not clear on liability if city police mishandle a suspect and then place him in township custody.
“We just don’t know what would happen in case of a lawsuit,” said Township Attorney Tim Cronin. According to language in the agreement, the city is not responsible for the customs, policies or practices of the township.
Township officials decided to send the proposal back to the city commission and continue operations under the current intergovernmental agreement to provide public safety service to city residents.
