Below is a link to proposed legislation to allow townships to merge. State Rep. Lynn Slaby, R-Akron, says he doubts it will be used by any townships in his 41st district, but might be useful in townships with smaller populations. Be aware that language in this document can be changed or eliminated altogether when the budget bill is passed.

Township Merging Language

The Fund for Our Economic Future has written a report on local government spending to overall growth of the area's economy. Like all reports of this kind, the reader is encouraged to read with a discerning eye. The following is the press release with a link to the full report:

State Rep. Lynn Slaby forwards a working document on the proposal to provide a $50 million fund to grubstake collaborative efforts between government. Slaby, District 41, admits $50 million isn't much, considering it covers the whole state, but he calls it a pilot project and more could come in the future. The largest grant will be $250,000 and it gives emphasis to governments in financial emergencies.

Local government integrating and innovation fund

Councilman Timothy Eberling of Wadsworth participates in a State Fire Marshal program to let leaders know what it's like to be a firefighter. Here's the news release: 2011Feel The Heat EBERLING.

I will be checking for more details on this news release next week. The Bath Township in Region 3 is the one in Summit County, the other one is near Lima. Also, an educator at AGMC was honored.

Dave Scott

Here's your chance to participate in a coming story. I'm interested in talking to a firefighter or police officer who works more than one job. I'd like to ask how you manage your time and coordinate two work schedules. Call me at 330-996-3577.

Thanks. Dave Scott

One way to save on expenses is to collaborate on seldom-used but vital services. Here's how a SWAT team helps: http://tinyurl.com/3f966gf

When I return after a few days off, I'll continue tackling the issue of firefighter/EMS personnel working multiple jobs and whether that results in unsafe fatigue. My intial research led me to this site, which will give me plenty to read on my time off! I want to encourage comments on this issue and anyone who wants to contribute to the story may write me at davescott@thebeaconjournal.com My phone number is 330-996-3577, but you probably would have to leave a message for a while.

Taking a brief respite from fire department coverage, my next story will be about Summit  County consolidating road-work bids, seeking to get lower prices for townships and municipalities. The bids will happen, but determining how much can be saved will be difficult, if not impossible. With oil prices so much higher this year, the unit costs will be higher no matter what. In some cases, the higher costs mean less road work is done -- more bumps for all of us. Overall, the thought is road companies will be able to plan better and offer lower bids.

Good data helps in making good decisions and Copley Chief Mike Benson points out this site that outlines National Fire Incident Reporting System. In my article Sunday, I reported there were no national reporting standards. I was going on a literal meaning of the word "standard", noting the NFIRS was not required by the state fire marshal. I accept now that that distinction was not made clear.

The Plain Dealer reports a suggestion that townships be able to merge.

Here are links to Sunday's overall story about fire department consolidation and Monday's story about Lawrence.