Coffee With Manhattan Fire Chief Scheduled For Friday

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan residents may have been hearing about a "possible consolidation" between its Fire Protection District and Peotone's. On Friday, those seeking more information about a proposed merger, or those who wish to share their opinions it, can speak directly with Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Steve Malone during a Coffee with the Chief event from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the MFPD station at 100 Park Road, according to a news release by MFPD.

The event is free and open to the public. A similar event was scheduled to take place Wednesday in Peotone.

“We’ve been pleased so far with the response that we’ve received from the Peotone and Manhattan communities about the potential benefits of consolidation,” Malone was quoted as saying in the news release. “But we also understand that there are likely residents who want to learn more about what a potential consolidation could mean for emergency fire, rescue and lifesaving services in their community. We’re happy to be on hand and available to answer questions or provide an overview to residents.”

A separate news release from Aug. 31 outlined some of the reasons why Manhattan residents might want to consider consolidating its Fire Protection District with Peotone's.

"Without consolidation, residents in Peotone may, over the next five to 10-year period, be
forced to choose between tax increases or a diminished level of service," the release stated. "And without a consolidation, the Manhattan Fire Protection District will need to determine how
to deliver and pay for a consistent level of staffing and coverage amid an increasing demand for
services as the region’s population—and calls for service—increase."

Any consolidation would have to be put forth as a referendum to be decided by voters. That referendum could appear in the June 2022 elections, according to the news release.

For more information, visit the Manhattan Fire Protection District website.

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