VVFD has openly discussed in their recent board meetings the idea of consolidation. In the past VVFD has had negotiations with Montezuma RimRock in an attempt to consolidate. Verde Santa Fe is considering annexing out of Verde Valley Fire District coverage and should this occur VVFD will be left with a void in their tax revenue collection and require finding alternative means to fulfill their budgetary expenses – hence the open discussions of consolidation.

From the VVFD Board Minutes:
“G. Merger Discussion – Matt Robertson stated that consolidation of service would be a good idea. Matt Robertson stated that there is a couple of different ways this can be done in order to protect our interest. Gerald Shanks stated that…he went to Clarkdale and has an invitation to address the Board. Gerald Shanks stated that he only had some general discussion with some representatives from Montezuma Rimrock and Camp Verde. Matt Robertson stated that there are going to be concessions from all entities. Dick Dobbin stated that we were very close on merging with Montezuma Rimrock in the past.”

There are also unused stations and a 100 foot ladder truck. I heard Ms Cooperman say in one of her speeches “Sedona desperately needs a new ambulance.” I’d venture to say you could trade an almost new ladder truck for more than one new ambulance.

All you hear from every chief is if there are cuts, people will die. Jerome mentioned above is also a tourist town,with one paid employee on their fire department. People still live and visit there.

I think we should let the current board finish the job.

What I want to address here is “consolidation.” There has been talk about creating a Fire District Authority, like an airport authority or port authority. Some cost savings might be realized as certain discreet operations (such as dispatch) are consolidated. There is no plan or even talk of consolidating Districts.

People, please at least try to get the facts. Ask a few questions. Otherwise, all you do is fan the flames of rumor. And as we’ve seen here before, the bigger the misrepresentation, the easier it is to believe.