By LINDA LOBECK
Staff Writer
IRON MOUNTAIN -- Discussions between the cities of Iron Mountain and Kingsford during the past three years have culminated in a draft document that would eventually establish the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Public Safety Authority combining the police and fire services.
At Monday's meeting, City Manager Jordan Stanchina presented the draft to the council. The Articles of Incorporation to establish the authority is the first step in the process and was brought to both councils -- Iron Mountain and Kingsford on the same night. This gives both councils a chance to look over the draft and get feedback on the document prior to taking any further action.
"Based on the number of near term retirements, it is an excellent time to discuss this and attain direction on how to proceed," Stanchina added. "Savings will only be realized by the reduction in combined manpower, which currently stands at 42."
There are currently 17 Kingsford Public Safety officers, 14 Iron Mountain Police Department officers, and another 11 firefighters with the Iron Mountain Fire Department.
(For more details, see Wednesday's Daily News)